January in Seville usually means two things: orange trees and a lot of frantic phone calls coming out of the Benito Villamarín. Honestly, this year is no different. If you’ve been following Real Betis transfer news lately, you know the vibe is kinda chaotic. Manuel Pellegrini is out here trying to keep a top-six push alive while the front office balances the checkbook like a stressed college student.
The big story? It’s the striker situation. Everyone knows Cucho Hernández is the main man now, but the supporting cast is basically a revolving door.
The Strikers: Why Fabio Silva is the Name on Everyone's Lips
So, here's the deal. Betis is currently in direct talks with Borussia Dortmund over Fábio Silva. The 23-year-old Portuguese forward is apparently miserable in Germany. He’s played 15 games this season and has barely touched the back of the net. Reliable reports from guys like Sacha Tavolieri suggest he’s already given a "yes" to the move.
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But there’s a catch. There’s always a catch with Betis.
Dortmund wants a straight sale or at least a mandatory buy clause. Betis? They want a loan with an option. Sporting Director Manu Fajardo is playing a high-stakes game of chicken because the club needs to offload salary before they can pull the trigger. If Silva doesn't happen, the backup plan is Brighton’s Evan Ferguson. He’s currently on loan at Roma, but that’s been a total disaster. He might have his time in Italy cut short just to fly to Andalusia for the spring.
The Great Clearing Out
You can't bring in new toys without throwing away the old ones. That's the reality of the Real Betis transfer news cycle this winter. The club has effectively put up "For Sale" signs on two specific players:
- Chimy Ávila: Getafe is sniffing around. He’s 31, hasn't been clinical, and his €4m move from Osasuna hasn't really paid off the way people hoped.
- Cédric Bakambu: He’s also on the chopping block. Betis needs that salary space more than they need his veteran presence right now.
It’s a bit cold, sure. But Pellegrini is 72 now—he doesn't have time for sentimentality. He recently extended his contract until 2027, and he wants another trophy before he even thinks about the Chile national team job.
The Altimira Dilemma: Fulham’s €20 Million Temptation
Midfield is where things get spicy. Sergi Altimira has become a massive favorite under Pellegrini. He’s 24, tactical, and has that "it" factor that Premier League scouts love. Fulham has reportedly come in with a "strong offer."
Betis is holding out for about €20 million.
That’s a lot of money for a club that often has to scramble to register players. If Altimira leaves, it leaves a crater in the middle of the park, but it might be the only way to fund the striker search and maybe look at a new full-back. Héctor Bellerín and Ricardo Rodríguez aren't getting any younger, and fans are starting to notice the lack of pace on the flanks.
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What Happened to Antony?
Believe it or not, the Manchester United "flop" has actually turned things around. After his successful loan, Betis made the move permanent for €25 million. He’s become a fan favorite at the Villamarín, which sounds crazy to anyone who watched him at Old Trafford. Marc Bartra even called him a mix of Neymar and Ronaldo recently. High praise, maybe too high, but he’s currently one of the highest earners alongside Isco.
Moving Parts and Done Deals
Just today, we saw some minor movement. Gonzalo Petit, the 18-year-old forward, was sent on loan to Granada. It’s a smart move. He needs minutes that he just isn't going to get in a squad fighting for Champions League spots.
The fans are restless, though. If you look at the forums, people are complaining that the club sold future stars like Jesús Rodríguez to Como for €22.5 million while the current squad feels a bit thin. There's a feeling that the "Plan Renove" (Renewal Plan) is leaning a bit too hard on veterans and risky loans.
What to Watch Before the Deadline
The window shuts on February 2. Between now and then, expect a few things to happen:
- The Striker Domino: Either Silva or Ferguson will likely arrive on loan once Chimy Ávila finds a new home.
- The Altimira Decision: If Fulham hits that €20m mark, Betis will almost certainly sell. It’s too much money to turn down given the financial constraints.
- Isco’s Contract: Negotiations are ongoing to keep him until 2028. This is arguably more important than any new signing.
Betis is currently sitting 6th, level with Celta Vigo. They just beat Elche in the Copa del Rey, but the league form in 2026 has been spotty. One point from two games isn't great. Pellegrini needs fresh blood, or at least a squad that isn't looking over their shoulders at the transfer portal.
For fans following Real Betis transfer news, the move is to keep an eye on the departures first. The incomings only happen once the exits are confirmed. If you see Chimy heading to Getafe, get ready for Fábio Silva to land at San Pablo airport shortly after.
Keep an eye on official club announcements regarding the salary cap margin, as La Liga's strict financial fair play rules will ultimately dictate if the Silva deal includes an obligation to buy. Check the matchday squad for the upcoming Villarreal game; if Altimira is left out or starts on the bench, it's a massive signal that the Fulham negotiations have reached the final stages. Finally, track the registration status of B-team players like Pablo García, who may see more first-team minutes if the club fails to land a secondary striker before the February 2 deadline.