Earlier, we covered local Seville reports on Marc Roca’s situation at Real Betis.
Having had a viral infection at the start of the year, he’s recently been struggling with an ankle injury and has only just returned to training. The midfielder may be able to play at the weekend but his importance to Manuel Pelligrini’s squad has dropped.
We also explained that with Real Betis going through a poor period of form, they’re out of the qualifying spots for any European football next season. That impacts their budget, and therefore any signing from Leeds United.
Interestingly, Estadio Deportivo – a sports newspaper for the Seville region – now reports it’s ‘almost 100% ruled out’ that Betis will use their €12m purchase option.
That figure, which was agreed with Leeds United as part of loan negotiations, is ‘very far from the current reality’ of Betis. Essentially, it’s very unlikely they’re going to pay it.
Instead, they’re crossing their fingers and toes in the hope Leeds United aren’t promoted. Should the Whites stay in the Championship, then Roca’s contract allows him to go elsewhere on loan again.
