Real Betis keen on outgoing West Ham United centre-back Fabian Balbuena
Manuel Pellegrini wants to bring Fabian Balbuena to Real Betis as the Paraguayan closes in on West Ham United exit, according to AS.
The Chilean manager brought the centre-back to the London Stadium in the summer of 2018 for £6.5million [Sky Sports], and while he struggled to impress in his debut Premier League campaign, the 29-year-old was a key player under boss David Moyes in 2020-21.
Balbuena’s West Ham contract expires at the end of the month, and he has already said what appeared to be his goodbyes on Instagram.
Good move for Pellegrini
While the Hammers have apparently decided not to hand the South American a new deal, his former boss reckons he could be perfect for his side.
Betis are looking to strengthen at the back this summer, and snapping up a free agent is a deal they are looking not to miss out on.
Balbuena featured in 18 games across all competitions for West Ham during the just-concluded campaign, providing quality cover as and when needed.
His experience came in handy as we chased a top-six finish, and the role he played in helping us secure European football cannot be over-emphasized.
With 54 top-flight games under his belt, the former Corinthians is not expected to be short of suitors in the coming weeks, and some English clubs could be looking to pip Betis to his signature.
The La Liga outfit also ended the campaign in sixth place, qualifying for next season’s Europa League, and Balbuena could be lining up against us in Europe next season.
In other West Ham news, ‘I spoke to David Sullivan…’ – Pundit reacts as West Ham ace drops massive exit hint.
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