Transfer Centre

Guido Rodriguez wants Real Betis stay amid transfer speculation

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 02 August 2023

Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, who has previously been linked with Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United, is open to signing a new long-term deal at the club.

Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez has said that he is open to signing a new long-term deal at the club.

The 29-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation over the last 12 months, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid all credited with an interest in his services.

Barcelona were also heavily linked with the Argentina international earlier this summer, but it is understood that their interest ended when they re-signed Oriol Romeu from Girona.

Rodriguez's deal with Real Betis is due to expire next summer, meaning that, as it stands, he will be able to agree a pre-contract with a foreign club in January 2024.

The South American has said that he is "happy" at the club and wants to sign a new deal, but he has hinted that the Green and Whites will have to improve his salary.

Manchester United's Fred in action with Real Betis' Guido Rodriguez on March 9, 2023 © Reuters

"I'll try to be as honest as possible. I'm content, I'm happy, the club wants me to continue, I also want to continue but we have to agree," Rodriguez told Relevo.

"[There are] certain things that have to be discussed, but I'm happy, I'm enjoying myself, my family is happy.

"I have one year left on my contract and I'm very good, the club continues to grow, I want to continue growing and many things have to be factored in to [my] continuity. We are very excited."

Rodriguez made the move to Real Betis from America in January 2020, and he has represented the Seville-based outfit on 144 occasions, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in the process.

Real Betis' Guido Rodriguez in action with FC Barcelona's Memphis Depay on May 7, 2022 © Reuters

The midfielder was again a vital player for Manuel Pellegrini's side during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 44 occasions, scoring twice in the process.

Rodriguez made 34 appearances in La Liga, as the Green and Whites secured sixth position in the table to qualify for the group stage of the 2023-24 Europa League.

Real Betis have been active during the summer market, signing Hector Bellerin, Ayoze Perez, Marc Bartra, Isco and Alex Collado on free transfers.

Meanwhile, Marc Roca and Chadi Riad have arrived on loan from Leeds United and Barcelona respectively to boost the squad for the new season.