The reality of Real Betis' market, searching for the missing striker

Real Betis faces the final weeks of the transfer window with a clear need: to find a striker to partner Cucho Hernández in a season that is especially demanding with the Champions League on the horizon. After the departures of Bakambu and Chimy Ávila, the Colombian is currently the squad's only natural '9', forcing Pellegrini to look for alternatives.

The sporting directorate, led by Manu Fajardo, is working with several profiles and, above all, with a guiding premise: finding an economic formula that would allow the club to bring in a proven striker. Matanovic, Denkey, Parrott, Zirkzee and Gabriel Jesus are some of the names that have surfaced on the verdiblanco radar.

Matanovic, physique and goals

Igor Matanovic is one of the profiles that best fits Betis' needs. The Croatian forward, at 1.94 meters, brings physical presence, aerial play, and a '9' profile that is different from Cucho Hernández's. In the 2025/26 season, he recorded 15 goals and 4 assists in 50 matches, figures that have boosted his market value.

His exit could be in the range of 15-20 million euros, a significant amount for Betis' coffers. Betis would have to study a financing formula or a loan with an option to buy in order to make an operation viable that appeals because of the striker's characteristics.

Denkey, power and goal-scoring ability

Kévin Denkey is back among the alternatives being considered by the verdiblanco side. The Togolese forward stands out for his power, speed, and ability to attack spaces, as well as offering goal-scoring numbers that make him an interesting option to strengthen the attack.

In his first season with Cincinnati, he scored 17 goals, while in 2026 he continues to be one of the team's main offensive references. His signing could be around 15 million euros, although the American club has no need to sell and could raise its demands.

Parrott, the big goalscorer

Troy Parrott is one of the names that draws the most attention thanks to his numbers. The Irish forward finished the 2025/26 season with AZ Alkmaar with 19 goals and 4 assists, establishing himself as one of the most productive strikers in the Eredivisie.

His great season has also driven up his price. AZ would be willing to negotiate for an amount close to the 25-30 million euros, a figure that is beyond Betis' current possibilities. To try to complete his arrival, the sporting directorate would need to resort to an imaginative formula.

Zirkzee, a market opportunity

Joshua Zirkzee represents a different profile from the rest. The Dutchman stands out especially for his link-up ability and ease in playing between the lines, able to operate as a '9' or as a second striker. His 2025/26 season at Manchester United was underwhelming, with 2 goals in the Premier League.

His situation at Old Trafford could open the door to a loan with an option to buy, a formula that would allow Betis to bring in a player of enormous talent without having to make a major outlay right away. The deal, though, would still be complicated by the economic conditions.

Gabriel Jesus, an operation that would require imagination

Gabriel Jesus is another high-level alternative that appears on the verdiblanco radar. The Brazilian is looking to regain prominence after a difficult spell at Arsenal, and his versatility, being able to play as a '9' or drop out wide, fits perfectly with Pellegrini's football.

His signing would be complicated by his salary and the economic conditions of the operation, so Betis would have to use a similar imaginative formula to the one used with Antony, seeking to spread or defer the cost. If it happens, he would bring experience and quality for a season in which the team will need offensive depth.