Real Betis have secured the signing of left-back Nazinho from Cercle Brugge for a reported fee of €6 million, plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. This move comes as a blow to Celtic, who were heavily linked with the 22-year-old Portuguese defender earlier in the transfer window.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal, stating that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs. Nazinho, who impressed during his time with Cercle Brugge, will now ply his trade in La Liga under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Celtic's Missed Opportunity
Celtic were in the market for a left-back to provide cover and competition for Kieran Tierney. They had identified Nazinho as a potential target, and reports even suggested that he was close to joining the Scottish champions. However, the deal ultimately fell through, leaving Celtic to explore other options.
The Hoops recently brought back Kieran Tierney, but it is clear they need a solid backup option. The departure of Greg Taylor at the end of his contract further highlighted the need for reinforcements in that position. While Hayato Inamura was brought in, it appears he is not part of Brendan Rodgers' immediate plans and may be sent out on loan.
Nazinho's Impressive Stats
Last season, Nazinho featured in 22 league games for Cercle Brugge, contributing a goal and four assists. His performances caught the eye of several clubs, including Real Betis, who moved quickly to secure his signature. Betis will be hoping Nazinho can quickly adapt to the demands of La Liga.
- Transfer Fee: €6 million + add-ons & sell-on clause
- Position: Left-Back
- Previous Club: Cercle Brugge
This signing represents a significant addition to Real Betis' squad, providing them with a talented and versatile defender who can contribute both defensively and offensively. For Celtic, it's a missed opportunity to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. They will now need to refocus their efforts on identifying alternative targets in the remaining days of the transfer window.