Football writer Charles Watts has explained how Hector Bellerin’s loan move from Arsenal to Real Betis almost didn’t happen.
Over the summer, it looked like the Spaniard’s departure was inevitable. However, as deadline day arrived, Bellerin was still stuck in north London.
In the end, he managed to complete a season-long loan move to La Liga outfit Real Betis, though it includes no option to buy. However, Watts has now explained how issues relating to Spanish regulations almost put a stop to the move before it could be finalised.
While talking on his YouTube channel, he said: “They couldn’t afford his full salary. They weren’t really sure, until literally only a couple hours before the move was done on deadline day, how much they were going to be able to offer Bellerin.
“Because the way it works in La Liga, you’ve got a set wage structure that you’ve got to fit in with. And to get Bellerin in, they had to move a player out on the final day, they had to move him on to their B team. And that freed up a little bit of space in the wage bill.”
TIF Thoughts on Hector Bellerin and Arsenal…
Bellerin had to take a pay cut to make the deal happen, but since then has experienced a solid start to life back in Spain, playing in four league matches, two wins, one draw and a loss – while also providing one assist.
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Despite coming through the Barcelona academy, it may take some time for Bellerin to adjust to Spanish football as he had only ever played at senior level in England before.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have hardly missed him. The Gunners signed Takehiro Tomiyasu as a replacement, and the Japanese intentional has enjoyed a fine start to his career in north London, claiming the club’s Player of the Month award for September.
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