Real Betis head into the 2025–26 campaign on the back of an encouraging but bittersweet season. Last year’s run to the Europa Conference League final surprised many and reignited optimism at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. Manuel Pellegrini’s side blended experience and fresh energy, with Isco orchestrating in midfield and Johnny Cardoso providing defensive stability. That combination helped Betis punch above their weight, but the new season brings both opportunity and significant challenges.
The summer has been defined by targeted reinforcements and necessary reshaping. Álvaro Valles returns to Betis as a proven, composed shot-stopper, reclaiming the role he once held as a youngster before making his name at Las Palmas. In front of him, 20-year-old Valentín Gómez arrives from Vélez Sarsfield with a reputation for calmness under pressure and an ability to play out from the back. These are qualities Pellegrini values for building attacks.
Gonzalo Petit’s addition in midfield offers depth and youthful energy, while the return of veteran Pau López gives the squad a second experienced goalkeeping option and leadership presence in the dressing room.
However, the optimism took a hit in pre-season. Isco’s fractured fibula, sustained in a friendly, rules the team’s creative hub out for at least the first three months of the season. Without him, Betis risk losing much of the guile that unlocked tight games last year. The club is actively exploring solutions, with Dani Ceballos identified as a prime target, though Real Madrid’s asking price presents a hurdle.
The ongoing pursuit of Antony’s permanent signing from Manchester United after his impactful loan remains another priority, but financial constraints make the deal delicate.
Betis are also hedging their bets on the wings. Bryan Zaragoza is being monitored as an alternative if Antony proves unattainable, or if Ez Abde stays and reduces the available minutes on the left flank. In attack, Pellegrini now has the option of Borja Iglesias or Cucho Hernández to lead the line, supported by Rodrigo Riquelme’s creativity if registration issues are resolved in time for the opener.
There are potential departures to manage as well. Nobel Mendy has drawn transfer interest and could leave before the window shuts. More significantly, the sale of Johnny Cardoso mid-window removed a key anchor in midfield, meaning Betis must adapt quickly to maintain their defensive structure.
If the new signings integrate swiftly and Pellegrini can find a creative solution in Isco’s absence, Betis have the quality to aim for another top-six La Liga finish and remain competitive in Europe. But a sluggish start, particularly without their main playmaker, could see the season’s early momentum fade. The margins will be thin, and recruitment in the final weeks of the window may determine whether Betis consolidate their progress or struggle to match last year’s highs.
Predicted XI for the opener:
Pau López; Junior Firpo, Valentín Gómez, Héctor Bellerín (or Ángel Ortiz if fit); Pablo Fornals, Marc Roca, Sergi Altimira, Gonzalo Petit; Rodrigo Riquelme (if registered), Borja Iglesias (or Cucho Hernández), Bryan Zaragoza (if signed).
Written by Pejuola Ransome
INMR FOOTBALL 
Leave a comment