Betis playing the waiting game with Bakambu as deadline day striker hunt continues
Real Betis have already secured Álvaro Fidalgo to fill the creative void, but remain on high alert for a striker addition if Bakambu departs before the window slams shut.
Betis have got one job done but might not be finished yet as the transfer window enters its final hours.
Fidalgo in the bag
Manuel Pellegrini can breathe a small sigh of relief after the Verdiblancos secured their primary target by bringing in Álvaro Fidalgo to address the creativity shortage caused by injuries to Isco and Lo Celso. Both midfield maestros remain sidelined with no concrete return dates, making Fidalgo’s arrival crucial for Betis’ ambitions across three competitions.
The club managed to navigate their tight salary cap limitations by structuring a modest transfer fee with a longer contract to spread the amortisation costs. Clever accounting, that.
Bakambu holds the key
With Fidalgo now occupying the 25th and final first-team squad slot, any further additions hinge on departures - with all eyes firmly on Cédric Bakambu’s situation.
The Congolese forward has options on the table:
- Domestic interest from Oviedo and Alavés
- International offers from Italy and Saudi Arabia
However, Bakambu appears to be having second thoughts about an immediate exit, having originally planned to leave in the summer when his contract expires. The club has held meetings with the striker in recent days to gauge his willingness to accept one of these offers.
Plan B scenarios
Betis’ sporting director Manu Fajardo isn’t putting all his eggs in one basket. The club has reportedly identified six potential striker targets who could provide quality rotation options for Cucho Hernández.
While Bakambu’s departure remains the most straightforward path to funding a new striker, the club remains alert to any unexpected eleventh-hour offers for other squad members - provided their exit wouldn’t significantly weaken Pellegrini’s options.
With just hours remaining in the window, Betis are still juggling possibilities while maintaining their competitive position in La Liga, Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa League. Bit of a squeaky bum time for the Benito Villamarín faithful, innit?