Football Season Guide

Real Betis

In


Romain Perraud (def) Southampton; Marc Roca (mid) Leeds United; Iker Losada (att) Racing Ferrol; Adrian (gk) Liverpool; Diego Llorente (def) Leeds United; Ricardo Rodriguez (def) Torino

Out


Juan Cruz (sp) (att) Leganes; Claudio Bravo (sp) (gk) retirement; Sokratis Papasthopoulos (r) (def) retirement; Chadi Riad (r) (def) Crystal Palace; Roberto Gonzalez (sp) (att) NEC Nijmegen; Willian Jose (r) (att) Spartak Moscow; Juan Miranda (sp) (def) Bologna; Abner (r) (def) Lyon; Ricardo Visus (sp) (def) Almere City; Borja Iglesias (sp) (att) Celta Vigo; German Pezzella (r) (def) River Plate; Guido Rodriguez (k) (mid) West Ham

Ending 2023/24 without a win in their last three games meant that Betis had to settle for the Conference League this year in what was their lowest finish in four years, though the Verdiblancos have kept faith in Manuel Pellegrini and his staff. This summer has seen midfield general Guido Rodriguez depart, alongside several defensive options, which Betis have moved quickly to replace with a raft of experienced options. More central defensive options could be needed, but Diego Llorente's return to Spain brings a reliable option. The midfield remains stacked with attacking quality, and bringing in Marc Roca permanently helps to maintain the balance, which will mean that Betis will almost certainly be one of the most exciting teams to watch again this season. Iker Losada has also arrived to try to address one of Betis' bigger issues, which is scoring goals. They were the lowest scorers in the top eight last season and they have not addressed that with a number nine. To make matters worse, injured Cedric Bakambu will miss the start of the season. Pellegrini will have to balance several competitions for his team again this season, but knows that another disappointing season could put his future in doubt.

Target


Qualifying for Europe. The Conference League was disappointing for Betis last season, and they'll want to return to the Europa League with another top six finish as they had enjoyed for the past three years in a row.