What appeared to be a routine signing for Real Betis has taken a dramatic turn, as Sevilla have sensationally hijacked a move for Manuel Pellegrini’s top summer target—prompting a fiery response from the Chilean tactician.
Sources close to the negotiations confirmed that the player, whose identity is being kept under wraps until the official announcement, was on the verge of signing for Betis. Personal terms had reportedly been agreed, and Pellegrini saw the deal as a key part of his summer rebuild.
But everything changed abruptly in the last 48 hours. Sevilla boss Matías Almeyda, currently on a short break, cut his holiday short and flew back to Spain to personally intervene. His direct approach appears to have swayed the player, who is now set to sign for Sevilla instead.
Pellegrini, known for his calm demeanor, did not hide his frustration. In a message believed to be directed at Almeyda through sources in Seville, the Betis coach was quoted as saying:
“This won’t be forgotten when we meet this season.”
The nine-word warning leaves no doubt about the tensions that have now flared between the two clubs ahead of the new La Liga campaign.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Andalusia, with both sets of fans already bracing for what could be one of the most intense derbies in recent memory. For Betis, losing a key transfer target to their city rivals is a bitter pill to swallow. For Sevilla, it’s a bold statement of intent under Almeyda’s leadership.
As both managers prepare their squads for the upcoming season, all eyes will now be on the next Seville derby—a fixture already known for its intensity, now fueled further by this dramatic off-pitch twist.
