Real Betis aiming to secure two defensive reinforcements in no-cost operations

The big area that Real Betis need to address this summer is defence. Manuel Pellegrini is severely short on options at this stage, with several players heading for the exit door at the end of the season.

Sokratis is retiring after Saturday’s trip to Real Madrid, while Juan Miranda, Abner Vinicius and now Chadi Riad are expected to follow him out of the exit door. Betis’ defensive options were already somewhat underwhelming, so club bosses need to get things right this summer.

Naturally, the free agent market is being looked at, and according to Diario AS, deals for two players are being lined up. The first is Sergi Cardona, who is leaving Las Palmas at the end of the season when his contract is up. Betis are well-placed to secure his signature, and they will need it considering the impending departures of Miranda and Abner.

Vitao is another player that Betis are looking at. They’ve been following the 24-year-old centre-back since the winter, and they can land him on a pre-contract, although the report cites information that he could have already agreed terms with his current loan club, Internacional.

It remains to be seen whether Real Betis can secure their targets this summer. They do have European football to tempt any players, although given their financial issues, it still won’t be easy to sign their preferred options.