German giants come knocking for Betis midfielder Altimira as transfer window closes
Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig have made late enquiries about Sergi Altimira, as Betis scramble to complete their winter transfer business before the deadline.
Bundesliga heavyweights eyeing up a late swoop for Betis midfielder as the transfer window slams shut
German interest heats up
Real Betis are facing some proper last-minute drama in the January transfer window, with two German giants making eleventh-hour enquiries about midfielder Sergi Altimira. Both Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig have been on the blower to Betis officials, trying to suss out whether the Verdiblancos would be open to letting the Spaniard leave before the window slams shut.
This isn’t the first time Bundesliga clubs have shown interest in Altimira, with similar approaches made last summer. While no formal offers have landed on the table yet, Betis are keeping their options open as any potential sale could trigger a domino effect allowing them to bring in that final reinforcement they’re after.
Betis’ transfer juggling act
The Andalusian outfit are in a bit of a pickle as they look to strengthen Manuel Pellegrini’s squad. They’ve already sorted one deal with the signing of Álvaro Fidalgo from Club América in Mexico, but they’re desperate to add another face before the deadline. The trouble is:
- They need to free up wage space and a squad position first
- Negotiations with Bakambu over a potential exit have hit a brick wall
- West Ham have enquired about defender Natan, but Betis aren’t interested in selling
- Turkish sides Besiktas and Galatasaray have asked about Deossa without making formal offers
Race against the clock
Sporting director Manu Fajardo and his team are running around like headless chickens trying to pull off a last-gasp deal. The clock’s ticking down, and they’ve got until 11:59 PM tonight to sort their squad for the business end of the season.
Once the transfer window closes, attention will shift to finalising their UEFA Europa League squad list ahead of their Round of 16 tie in March. With Betis still fighting on three fronts – La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Europa League – any additional reinforcement could be crucial to their ambitions.
If they can’t shift someone out the door, that second signing they’re after – whether it’s a number nine or a defensive midfielder – will remain just a pipe dream. It’s squeaky bum time at the Benito Villamarín.