Pepe Mel has offered an update on the status of Joaquin’s proposed move back to Real Betis, admitting it’s entirely dependent on Fiorentina.
Mel appeared on Onda Cero to discuss Betis’ weekend opponents Real Madrid, as well as possible signings for his side before the end of the season, including Joaquin.
“We’re in Fiorentina’s hands. It’s a complicated issue. The player can’t say any more clearly and we are delighted he wants to come but we have the utmost respect for the club he’s at now,” Mel said, AS reports.
“We can’t ask for more from the player. He’s expressed himself but clearly it’s no longer dependent on him or us, because our finances aren’t buoyant. Asking for €5m is like saying you don’t want to let him go.”
Mel moved on to discuss Betis arrivals, both the already confirmed in Rafael Van Der Vaart and any potential additions, and the condition of starlet Dani Ceballos, whose head has been turned by interest from elsewhere.
“Coaches always ask for more. We’re always begging. Betis would be stronger and more competitive with a forward but we don’t want to just sign anyone,” he admitted.
“We want someone better than who is there now and that’s not easy because they cost a lot of money. We’ll have to wait until the end of the window and maybe no one will come in.
“Michu? He’s still at Swansea and there doesn’t seem to be a solution.
“Van Der Vaart’s injury would worry me if it was muscular. It was an accident and can happen to anyone.
“He saw what Benito Villamarin was like on Sunday and said ‘I’ve missed this.’ He wants to go to Euro 2016.
“If he’s going to play then he needs to keep up with his teammates.
“I understand the fans want to know the future of a brilliant player [Ceballos]. But we don’t have unrest in the dressing room.
“We can’t compete against Madrid with a player whose head isn’t right. That wouldn’t be good for Betis or the fans.”
