Real Betis are reportedly keen on signing Oscar Mingueza from La Liga rivals Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Oscar Mingueza is the subject of interest from Real Betis over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Spanish defender is set to leave Barcelona ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Oscar Mingueza joined Barcelona as an eight-year-old in 2007 from UCF Santa Perpetua, before making gradual progress in the youth setup at their famed academy La Masia. The 22-year-old broke into the Barcelona first-team setup in November 2020, with Ronald Koeman promoting him amid a crisis at the club.
The Spaniard has since been a handy option for Koeman and his successor Xavi Hernandez, but has largely been a squad player for the Blaugrana. In the ongoing season, Mingueza has turned out 21 times for Barcelona. But he has reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements by Barcelona, with Real Betis setting their sights on him.
Real Betis will be entering the market for a centre-back in the summer transfer window, with most of their defenders on the wrong side of 30, including former Barcelona man Marc Bartra. The contract situations of some players are also delicate, prompting Manuel Pellegrini to ask for a new player to slot in at the heart of the Real Betis defence.
The Verdiblancos have started laying down a plan of action for the summer transfer window, compiling a shortlist of three centre-backs. Luiz Felipe and Marcao are two of the defenders on Real Betis’s radar, with Oscar Mingueza being the third.
The Andalusian giants have shown what they can do with the right signings and tactics, having been in contention for a top-four finish in La Liga this term. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are currently Real Betis’s biggest competitors for a top-four berth, but the lack of a reliable central defender could be Betis’ undoing.
With Mingueza deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona, a move across La Liga to join Real Betis could materialise in the summer transfer window. But Luiz Felipe is reportedly the priority for Los Verdiblancos, meaning the 22-year-old Spanish international will likely be a backup option.
