Real Betis abandon permanent Sofyan Amrabat deal as Abde Ezzalzouli’s future becomes uncertain

Real Betis have decided against signing Sofyan Amrabat permanently after his loan spell from Fenerbahce, with the Turkish club’s financial demands and the Morocco midfielder’s salary proving too costly.

The decision is part of a wider change in transfer priorities at the Andalusian club, who are accelerating their planning during the final weeks of the transfer window to meet manager Manuel Pellegrini’s requirements for the new season.

According to Moroccan website Hesport, citing Mundo Deportivo, Pellegrini remains convinced of Amrabat’s ability. However, Real Betis have opted to close the door on a permanent agreement because Fenerbahce are insisting on a substantial fee, while Amrabat’s wages would also represent a significant commitment for the Spanish club.

Instead, Real Betis have turned their attention to Uruguay midfielder Facundo Bernal. The 21-year-old is set to join for 9.5m euros after earning Pellegrini’s confidence and producing encouraging performances during preparations for the new campaign.

Bernal’s arrival is expected to reshape the club’s midfield options, with the move allowing Real Betis to pursue a different financial and sporting solution after abandoning their efforts to retain Amrabat.

The club are also continuing their search for another striker. Their attacking options currently include only Colombia forward Cucho Hernandez, while Real Betis are working on a possible move to bring Dani Ceballos back to the club.

Any agreement for Ceballos, however, depends on Real Betis creating room within their salary limit. That could require the departure of one of their existing players, with Giovani Lo Celso and Nelson Deossa among the names mentioned as possible exits. Pellegrini’s approval would also be required before the move could be completed.

Mundo Deportivo reports that further changes to the squad remain possible if more players leave in the coming weeks. Defender Natan is among those whose future could affect the club’s plans, while Morocco winger Abde Ezzalzouli continues to attract interest from several clubs.

Ezzalzouli’s situation could therefore become an important factor in the final stage of Real Betis’ transfer activity. His departure, along with other potential exits, would give the club greater room to complete additional signings before the transfer window closes.

The latest developments leave Real Betis having moved on from a permanent agreement for Amrabat despite Pellegrini’s belief in the player, while Bernal’s signing has become the club’s immediate midfield solution. Attention now turns to whether the club can strengthen its attack, bring back Ceballos and resolve the futures of players such as Ezzalzouli before the end of the market.