Betis respond to Barcelona interest in €100m Fekir
James Shearman
- Updated: 16 Feb 2022 17:59 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Real Betis star Nabil Fekir in this summer's transfer window.
The France international is having a season to remember, scoring six times and registering six assists in 22 La Liga appearances.
Indeed, Fekir is leading the club to Champions League qualification, at the expense of Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.
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The 28-year-old also has a goal and an assist to his name in the Europa League, in which Betis have progressed to the knockout rounds.
As such, a number of clubs have been keeping tabs on the playmaker, none more so than Catalan giants Barcelona.
Club legend Xavi Hernandez is in the process of rebuilding La Blaugrana, with Fekir one of several names thought to be on his shortlist.
Fekir to Barcelona?
With Phillipe Coutinho's loan to Premier League side Aston Villa signalling that he is not a part of Barcelona's long-term plans, Fekir could be the man to replace the Brazilian.
However, Betis president, Angel Haro, seems confident that he will be able to keep hold of his best player when the transfer market reopens.
''Fekir? He’s a great player,'' Haro said as per Diario AS. ''But I wouldn’t dare say if he’s the best in La Liga.''
''It’s a spectacle, watching him play. I hope he’ll be here for as long as possible.
''His release clause is €100 million. Barcelona? They don’t worry me. It’s a good thing because it means the players’s status is high.''
Nabil Fekir’s game by numbers vs. Levante:
90% pass accuracy
79 touches
12 duels won
7 take-ons attempted
7 take-ons completed
5 chances created
5 crosses
5 shots
4 shots on target
4 touches in opp. box
2 goals
What a performance. 👏 pic.twitter.com/RkyaEMv4dD— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 13, 2022
Though, it remains to be seen whether Haro will remain as cool if and when an official approach is made.
The interest of Barcelona, and Real Madrid, causes havoc at clubs around the world as player's heads are turned in pursuit of playing for one of football's elite sides.
And, one would think that Fekir is no different in preferring to play at Camp Nou over the second-biggest club in Seville, even though they are currently ahead of Barca in this season's La Liga.
That said, the €100m release clause in the ex-Lyon man's contract could be enough to see off interest if the Betis hierarchy are brave enough to hold their ground.
