Real Betis had an interesting end to the summer transfer window. Nabil Fekir’s late move to Al-Jazira Club opened the door for incomings, and ultimately, Giovani Lo Celso ended up returning from Tottenham Hotspur, five years after he left for the Premier League side.
Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo was a busy man last week, and he spoke (via Marca) on Fekir’s exit, which came as a surprise to many supporters.
“In the last days of the transfer window, Nabil’s entourage gave us a proposal. After talking to him, he also made us see that his cycle at Betis was coming to an end. All parties considered that the best thing to do was to accept that proposal, and for Nabil to leave.”
As part of the deal to bring Lo Celso back to the Benito Villamarin, it was revealed that Betis had agreed a special clause with Spurs, allowing them the opportunity to sign Johnny Cardoso at a fixed price next summer. Fajardo gave a coy response when quizzed on this topic.
“He has played an important role for his rights for the future. Leaving next summer? It would depend on Tottenham and other proposals that came in.”
Finally, Fajardo also spoke on Betis’ failed pursuit of Dani Ceballos. The 28-year-old midfielder was pursued in wake of Fekir’s departure, but ultimately, a deal could not be agreed with Real Madrid.
“He was a real option in the last hours of the market. Today Dani has a contract with Real Madrid and we wish him the best, but hopefully in the future we can give everything so that he can return home.”
