River Plate took an important step in the search to reinforce the midfield. The Argentine club is in advanced talks with Real Betis for the signing of Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa.
Betis, who paid around 12 to 13 million euros for Deossa last summer from Monterrey, set his exit price at around 10 million euros. River’s first offers did not reach this value, which led Millonario to explore alternatives such as a loan with an option to purchase.
Coudet boosts the operation
Coach Eduardo Coudet is one of the main enthusiasts of the Colombian’s arrival. The coach asked for the signing to give more dynamism to the Riverplatense midfield. Formal negotiations with the player and Betis have gained pace in recent days.
Deossa, 26, has already received authorization from the Spanish club to discuss the personal terms of his contract with River. This movement usually indicates that Betis sees a good chance of the transfer happening.
Irregular season in Spain
The midfielder experienced a complicated first year of adaptation in La Liga. Injuries and off-field issues limited his early pace, but he racked up 32 appearances, including nine in the Europa League. Manuel Pellegrini gave him opportunities, but Deossa did not establish himself as an absolute starter.
The return to South America appears as a chance to regain prominence. Before Europe, the Colombian had remarkable spells at Pachuca, Monterrey and, earlier, at Estudiantes, in Argentina.
Alternative formulas under study
With the distance between the proposals, River and Betis exchange offers. The Argentine club is studying an operation that includes payment in installments or a loan with mandatory purchase, a common formula in mid-season negotiations.
Other South American giants, such as Flamengo, are also monitoring the situation, but River appears to be the most advanced at the moment.
The outcome should be defined in the coming days, with the transfer market on the rise in Argentina. An eventual arrival of Deossa would strengthen Coudet’s squad in search of titles in the second half of the year.