Darling Bladi has completed his move from AS Saint-Étienne to Real Betis Sevilla, joining the Spanish club’s reserve side on a contract that runs until 2027.
The 21-year-old defender, who launched his professional career with the French outfit, formalised the transfer this Saturday, signaling a fresh phase in his football journey.
A product of AS Saint-Étienne’s academy since 2019, Bladi spent last season on loan at Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas 01, competing in France’s third tier, the National League.
During his loan spell, he featured in 26 matches, gaining essential senior experience that helped prepare him for this next step abroad.
Primarily deployed as a left-back, Bladi’s steady development at ASSE earned him recognition within the club and attracted interest from overseas.
His switch to Real Betis’s reserve team highlights the Spanish club’s strategy to cultivate promising young players by offering them opportunities to adapt and grow within their competitive structure.
AS Saint-Étienne officially confirmed the transfer in a club statement, expressing gratitude for Bladi’s contributions over his four-year tenure.
“This Saturday, AS Saint-Étienne has reached an agreement for the transfer of Darling Bladi to Real Betis Sevilla (Spain).
The left-back, who has been with the club since 2019 and was loaned to Football Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas 01 in the National League last season, is joining the reserve team of the La Liga club.
ASSE wishes him every success as he embarks on his career with this new Green and White club,” the statement read.
The move to Spain offers Bladi both a challenge and an opportunity to refine his skills in a different footballing culture.
Real Betis’s reserve team functions as a vital platform for young talents seeking to break into La Liga’s demanding environment, providing them with high-quality training and competitive match exposure.
For AS Saint-Étienne, Bladi’s departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in their youth development programme. The club’s ongoing commitment to fostering homegrown talent remains clear, even as players like Bladi progress beyond their ranks in pursuit of broader horizons.
As Bladi begins this new chapter, his immediate focus will be on adapting to the demands of Spanish football and impressing the coaching staff at Betis.
Both the player and the club hope that his time in the reserves will prepare him to step up to the senior squad and forge a successful career in one of Europe’s top leagues.
This transfer also illustrates a broader trend of young French and dual-nationality players exploring career opportunities abroad, particularly in Spain, where technical skills and tactical awareness are highly prized. Bladi’s move could serve as an important stepping stone toward establishing himself in European football’s elite competitions.
In the months ahead, attention will centre on Bladi’s progress as he settles into his new surroundings. Real Betis Sevilla’s focus on youth development provides a promising environment for the young French-Cameroonian defender to flourish and make his mark on Spanish football.
