Real Betis midfielder Benat Etxebarria has made clear his determination to avoid a similar situation to Fernando Llorente at Athletic Bilbao.
Llorente has barely featured for Athletic this season, after talks over a new contract broke down last summer, the club refused to sell him and he opted to leave on a Bosman this June.
Benat has been in talks with Betis over a new deal since the close of last summer’s transfer window, which saw them reject bids from Athletic and Wolfsburg for the midfielder.
However, the Spain-capped star has so far failed to agree terms on a new deal, with his current contract and its €20m buyout clause set to expire in June 2014.
“I would like to stay. The club made their proposal, and we sent back another one,” explained the 25-year-old this week.
“We have agreed to talk in February or March. The club has now had more time, and we have waited.
“I would like to close talks on a new contract or arrange to leave before June. It is not nice to be in a situation like that of Llorente.
“My form? Physically I am fine. The legs respond, but what is not responding are the correct passes. The anxiety is taking its toll. I notice the murmurings of the crowd, but I try to stay focused…”
