Real Betis have confirmed the dismissal of sporting director Eduardo Macia and are set to appoint Celta Vigo’s Miguel Torrecilla as his successor.
Macia [pictured, left] had only joined Betis in March 2015, when the club were still in La Segunda, and signed the likes of German Pezzella and Heiko Westermann in his first summer, before adding Martin Montoya and Charly Musonda in January – all of whom have been regular players in the Andalusians’ securing their top-flight status at the first time of asking.
However, the former Fiorentina and Liverpool scout encountered less success with the expensive additions of Rafael van der Vaart, who has struggled for fitness all season, and Leandro Damiao – another free transfer on big wages with only two appearances under his belt.
Although there is no official explanation for why Macia’s contract has been terminated, Betis announced the news on their official website on Monday and wished the 41-year-old success with his future endeavours.
The onus is now on who will replace Macia, and ABC has already installed Celta’s transfer guru Torrecilla as the outstanding favourite.
The 47-year-old’s contract with the Galicians expires this summer, and he has reportedly agreed a three-year deal at Benito Villamarin, with the option of a fourth term.
Betis were also understood to have approached Rayo Vallecano’s Felipe Minambres, Malaga’s Mario Husillos and Levante’s Manolo Salvador.