Real Betis have confirmed the permanent sale of Ryad Boudebouz to Saint-Etienne in a deal worth in the region of €4m, as reported by Marca.
The playmaker is the ninth player to depart Los Verdiblancos permanently this summer following the exits of Jesé Rodríguez, Sergio León, Álex Alegría, Pau López, Alin Tosca, Aitor Ruibal, Darko Brasanac and Takashi Inui.
It had been said that the Seville-based club were desperate to lessen their wage bill to comply with La Liga demands, following the arrivals of Nabil Fekir, Alfonso Pedraza, Dani Martin and Juanmi.
Boudebouz joined Betis from Montpellier in the summer of 2017 in a reported €7m deal having previously played for Sochaux and Bastia.
The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Celta Vigo but made little impact, having netted three goals across 41 appearances at Betis – while also providing three assists.
Boudebouz had a further two years of contract remain at the Andalusian club but there was little intention from the club to move him on as they look to streamline their squad.
