FC Barcelona had around seven players loaned out to different clubs across Europe during the last season, and the Catalan club still has to sort out the futures of most of these players. Only Abde and Nico were reportedly convinced by the coaches enough to continue in the Barcelona squad for next season, but Nico’s fate might take another turn this summer.
There were previous reports of Real Betis’ interest in Nico, and now SPORT claims that the technical secretary of the Andalusian club has again asked for the player. Real Betis see Nico as a player who would significantly strengthen their midfield, especially as an important component of their present midfielder, Guido Rodriguez is expected to leave this summer.
Nico impressed in his early days with the first team, but he is not in Xavi’s plans for the next season. The midfield is already stacked with the expected arrival of Gundogan, and Nico knows he will hardly see any game time if he stays at FC Barcelona. Still only 21, game time is essential for his progress and development.
The player faced a similar situation last season and went to Valencia on loan. He played 26 games and gathered 1409 minutes in the league but had to miss around 12 games due to an injury. He scored one goal in these 26 appearances.
The current Real Betis Sports Director, Ramon Planes, knows the player perfectly as he worked at Barcelona as Director of Professional Football from July 2018 to August 2020. Later he was appointed the Sporting Director of the Catalan club and remained in this position till November 2021, after which he joined Betis in May 2023.
Thus, with their Sports Director quite familiar with Nico’s strengths and potential, Real Betis seem serious about his signing this summer. If such a move does materialize, the player would get to play in a quality La Liga club, where the pressure and competition are not as high as in Barcelona, and this experience would certainly help his growth.
