Rayo Vallecano has emerged as one of the clubs interested in Real Betis midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo, according to a Mundo Deportivo report this week. The 29-year-old player, who joined the Verdiblancos in January from América, has not played a single minute in the first three La Liga matchdays.
The player's situation has attracted the attention of several teams in the competition. Besides Rayo, Getafe and Racing de Santander have also shown interest in the Canary Islands-born footballer. Fidalgo is the only outfield player at Betis who has not seen any action so far this season, although he has been included in all of Manuel Pellegrini's matchday squads.
Why is Rayo targeting Fidalgo?
Rayo Vallecano is looking to strengthen its midfield for the remainder of the season. The franjirrojo team, sitting 18th in the standings with just one point from three games, needs more options in its squad. With a record of zero wins, one draw, and two losses, and a -4 goal difference, the sporting directorate is exploring the market. The signing of Gnangoro Bouaré has already been completed, but the interest in Fidalgo suggests a search for more depth.
The need for a creative midfielder is clear, especially with Augusto Batalla and Jozhua Vertrouwd currently on the injuries list. A signing like Fidalgo could bring experience and quality in build-up play, an aspect the team needs to improve after scoring only four goals and conceding eight.
What is the situation at Betis?
At Real Betis, significant movement is expected on the final day of the transfer window, as the sporting directorate still needs to facilitate several departures to make room for Dani Ceballos and, if possible, for a defensive midfielder requested by Manuel Pellegrini. This statement from Mundo Deportivo journalist Jordi Santamaría sums up the scenario at the Seville club.
Pellegrini wants a defensive midfielder, and with the loan departure of Gonzalo Petit to Cádiz, Fidalgo's future seems far from the Benito Villamarín. The fact that he hasn't played a minute, despite being in every squad, indicates he is not in the Chilean manager's plans. This opens the door for an exit, either on loan or a permanent transfer.
What are Rayo's options?
Rayo Vallecano must act quickly before the market closes. Competition from Getafe and Racing de Santander, their next league fixture opponent on September 5th, complicates the operation. The Cantabrian team, tenth in the table, is also looking to reinforce.
For Rayo, signing Fidalgo would mean adding a player with experience in La Liga and Mexican football. His profile as an organizing midfielder could complement the characteristics of the other midfielders in the squad well. However, any movement depends on Betis managing to finalize their own signings, mainly that of Dani Ceballos, to free up space and budget.
The Vallecas-based team is eight points behind leaders Barcelona, so they need to react soon. The match against Racing, at home, will be an important test. The transfer window closes today, adding pressure to all negotiations. Rayo Vallecano's interest in Álvaro Fidalgo is real, but the outcome will be decided in the final hours.
