Betis reshape midfield plans after ending Sofyan Amrabat pursuit

Real Betis have abandoned plans to sign Sofyan Amrabat permanently after his loan from Fenerbahce ended, with the Turkish club’s financial demands and the Morocco midfielder’s wages proving too costly.

Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini was convinced by Amrabat’s ability, but the club have decided not to continue negotiations because of Fenerbahce’s insistence on a substantial transfer fee. Amrabat’s salary was also considered a significant obstacle as the Andalusian side reassess their priorities before the new season.

According to Moroccan sports website Hesport, citing Mundo Deportivo, Betis have instead moved for Uruguay Under-? midfielder Facundo Bernal. The 21-year-old is expected to join for 9.5m euros after impressing Pellegrini during pre-season.

Bernal has earned the manager’s confidence through his performances during preparations, prompting Betis to change direction in midfield rather than pursue a permanent agreement for Amrabat.

The club are also continuing their search for a new forward. At present, their attacking options are limited to Colombia international Cucho Hernandez, while Betis are working on a possible move to bring Dani Ceballos back to the club.

However, any deal for Ceballos remains dependent on Betis creating room within their wage limit. That could require the departure of one of their existing players, with Giovani Lo Celso and Nelson Deossa among those whose exits could help free up space. Pellegrini’s approval would also be needed before the club proceed with the move.

Betis’ transfer activity may not end there. Further changes are possible if several players leave during the next few weeks, with defender Natan and Morocco winger Abde Ezzalzouli among the players whose futures are attracting attention.

Ezzalzouli continues to interest a number of clubs, and a transfer would give Betis greater flexibility to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes. The same could apply if other members of the squad depart, allowing the club’s recruitment team to redirect funds towards additional signings.

The developments reflect a rapid change in Betis’ summer planning. Amrabat had been viewed by Pellegrini as a player capable of strengthening the midfield, but the financial conditions surrounding a permanent deal made the move impractical. Bernal’s emergence during pre-season has now provided the club with an alternative, while the search for a striker and the possible return of Ceballos remain unresolved.

Betis must therefore balance their sporting ambitions with the restrictions imposed by their wage structure. The futures of Lo Celso, Deossa, Natan and Ezzalzouli could all influence how much further movement is possible before the market shuts, while Pellegrini’s assessment will remain central to the club’s final decisions.