Real Betis confirm second signing of the summer as two exits loom

Real Betis have confirmed that the loan deal for Marc Roca has been made permanent, after reaching an agreement with Leeds United. The former Bayern Munich and Espanyol midfielder enjoyed a decent first season at Betis and has signed a five-year deal in Seville, which will take him until the age of 32.

The deal will cost Betis a reported €4.5m from Leeds, as he looks to make the Benito Villamarin his permanent home, following a number of years flitting between teams. Going the other way could be Borja Iglesias: there has been little doubt that he was not in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans after his loan move to Bayer Leverkusen, and he too may be heading home.

According to Diario AS, Iglesias is on the verge of a move to Celta Vigo, where he began his career. The 31-year-old would be Celta’s replacement for target man Jorgen Strand Larsen, ahead of his big-money move to Wolves. Left-back Manu Sanchez is also a topic of discussion with Celta, as Betis look to give Romain Perraud competition.

The need to strengthen at left-back is a result of departures for Abner Vinicius and Juan Miranda, who is out of contract and will not sign a new deal. Fabrizio Romano reports that his landing spot will be in the Champions League with Bologna.