Real Betis confirm departure of DR Congo striker Cédric Bakambu

Experienced trio leave Andalusian club after contracts expire

Real Betis have confirmed the departures of Cédric Bakambu, Ricardo Rodríguez and Chimy Ávila after deciding not to renew the contracts of the three first-team players.

The trio officially leave the Andalusian club as free agents following the expiry of their deals, bringing their respective spells at the club to an end.

Betis announced the departures on Monday, confirming that each player’s contract had reached its conclusion.

The decision allows Bakambu, Rodríguez and Ávila to negotiate with new clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

Bakambu departs after joining the club in February 2024.

Although injuries and inconsistent league appearances limited his impact in La Liga, the Democratic Republic of Congo striker played a significant role during Betis’ Europa League campaign.

His decisive goals in Europe helped the Spanish side produce one of its strongest continental performances, with the experienced forward making valuable contributions on the biggest occasions.

Ricardo Rodríguez also leaves after spending a season with the club.

The Swiss international arrived during the summer of 2024 and provided experience and stability at left-back.

While Rodríguez established himself as a dependable option in defence, he did not secure a regular place in the starting line-up during his time in Seville.

The defender is currently representing Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Chimy Ávila’s departure also marks the end of a spell that never fully developed as expected.

The Argentine forward arrived with high expectations but struggled to establish himself in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans.

Throughout his time at Betis, Ávila alternated between starting matches and appearing from the bench without consistently reproducing the form that had earned him the move.

Bakambu turns attention to World Cup campaign

DR Congo striker preparing for England showdown

Although his time at Real Betis has come to an end, Bakambu’s immediate focus remains on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The striker is preparing for the Leopards’ Round of 32 meeting with England at the 2026 World Cup, with his club future expected to be addressed after the tournament.

Now available as a free agent, Bakambu will be able to assess his options once his World Cup campaign concludes.

His experience at both club and international level is likely to attract interest during the summer transfer window as he considers the next step in his career.

Three contracts end as Betis reshape squad

Bakambu, Rodríguez and Ávila become free agents

The departures of Bakambu, Rodríguez and Ávila form part of changes to Betis’ squad following the expiration of their contracts.

All three players are now free to sign for new clubs, ending their respective chapters with the La Liga side.

For Bakambu, the focus remains on helping DR Congo at the World Cup before making a decision on his future, while Rodríguez continues his international campaign with Switzerland.

Ávila also leaves in search of a new opportunity after failing to secure a regular role under Pellegrini.