Betis shows the exit door to Bakambu

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Bakambu
1.070.000€+50.000€    -

J1

DL

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Manuel Pellegrini sent a clear message in a victory that fuels the momentum of Real Betis. The Chilean coach gave the starting position to Chimy Ávila and, in the second half, turned to academy player Pablo García to close the match against Villarreal. Cedric Bakambu was left without minutes in a night with many reunions on the field.

With the injury of Cucho Hernández, the Argentine has seized his opportunity. The cup duel against Elche tilted the balance, and this Saturday, at La Cartuja, the plan was consolidated with a substitution that defined the hierarchy in the forward line.

Pellegrini's choice

The Cup match against Elche marked a turning point: Chimy Ávila came in at minute 56 and with two goals turned the game around to take Betis to the quarterfinals, while Bakambu's negative image stood out for a missed header.

This Saturday, Pellegrini once again opted for Chimy as a starter against Villarreal: he didn’t score, but his intensity was crucial to maintain high pressure. The clearest hint came in the 70th minute when the coach substituted him and brought on Pablo García as the '9' for the final stretch, reinforcing the idea of rotation and confidence in the academy player.

Bakambu, on the other hand, did not play a single minute and furthermore won't be available on Thursday against PAOK due to suspension. With Chimy and Pablo García ahead, the context is seen as a "warning" to the forward regarding the end of the transfer market, while Deportivo Alavés and Real Oviedo continue to wait for the striker.

Fantasy recommendation

The price of the forward has doubled in anticipation that he would be Cucho Hernández's replacement during his injury, which we have seen has not happened. Now it remains to be seen if he will ultimately end up in a LaLiga team, as it seems, making it a good option, at least a speculative one, to sign Bakambu.