Spanish side Real Betis are at the point of almost praying Leeds United lose to Southampton in the Championship play-off final, as that is their likeliest route to re-signing Marc Roca.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who say Betis ‘will be very aware’ of what happens at Wembley on Sunday as it’s key to their plans with Roca.
The midfielder’s continuity at the club is currently in the air as his loan deal expires in the summer and Betis are yet to move to sign him permanently.
While they have an agreement in place with him and he’s keen to leave Leeds permanently, Betis have been holding off because they have multiple options in front of them.
They can activate a clause to sign Roca or, if Leeds fail to secure promotion back to the Premier League, sign him on loan again thanks to a clause in his current deal at Elland Road.
They’d prefer the latter so they can spend their money elsewhere and will be keeping a close eye on the play-off final in the hope that matters go their way and Southampton’s. If Leeds lose, they can use the same clause they used to get Roca last summer to get him on loan again this year.
If Leeds are promoted, however, Betis will be forced to negotiate with those in charge at Elland Road. Given their reluctance to pay the €12m clause and desire to negotiate that down, they could prove to be long and draw out proceedings.
So, all eyes are on Wembley on Sunday, where they are almost praying Southampton come out on top to help them press forward with their transfer plan.
