Confirmed: Real Betis land Arsenal's Hector Bellerin ahead of Celtic clash

By David Walton

September 1, 2021

Real Betis last night managed to secure the signing of Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin on loan days before they face Celtic in the Europa League.

The Hoops are scheduled to face off against the La Liga side in the opening round of fixtures in their Europa League group. Celtic travel to Betis for a meeting pencilled in for September 16th.

The Spanish outfit are currently managed by former Manchester City and Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini. And it appears his weight was shown in the transfer market late last night.

Bellerin, who’s yet to feature for Arsenal this season, has moved to the club on a season-long loan. The Spanish right-back heads back to his homeland with a power of experience to his name.

With over 230 appearances for Arsenal and consistent European football to his name, he adds a seriously strong option to the Betis ranks before Celtic’s visit.

Real Betis haven’t broken the bank heading into Celtic clash

Betis haven’t exactly splashed the cash this summer. Even if Bellerin’s arrival is an impressive move, their transfer spend has been minimal.

In fact, only the signing of centre-back German Pezzella from Fiorentina needed a fee [Transfermarkt].

Granted, this is a Betis side Celtic will have to be wary of. A Betis side that finished 6th in La Liga last season. A club looking to make its mark in Europe again after only one appearance in eight years.

The signing of Bellerin is a statement of intent from them. Despite the criticism he received at Arsenal, he’s heading back to a comfort zone in his homeland.

Elsewhere, it was a quiet day for fellow Europa League rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Ferencvaros, who didn’t make any major moves on deadline day.

In other news, How much Celtic will need to pay PSG for Odsonne Edouard sale