This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
On July 23, 2019, Real Betis announced the signing of French World Cup-winning midfielder Nabil Fekir from Lyon in a surprising move.
According to the club, Fekir has signed a contract until 2023, becoming the fourth team signing for the 2019/2020 season.
"With the arrival of Fekir, Real Betis acquire creativity, great technique, shooting ability, and attacking edge," the club stated.
The transfer fee has not been made public, but reports suggest it could be around Sh2.3 billion (20 million euros), with an additional Sh1.1 billion (10 million euros) through bonuses.
Fekir and Betis have a 20 percent sell-on clause included in the deal, and despite a likely pay rise from his Lyon salary, estimated at Sh40.5 million (350,000 euros) a month, the move appears surprising on a football front.
Unlike Lyon, who qualified for this season's Champions League, Real Betis have no European competition after finishing 10th in La Liga last season.
Fekir, 26, had been linked with several clubs, including Liverpool, Sevilla, Valencia, and Napoli, after coming close to signing for Liverpool a year ago.
He has won 21 caps for France and came on as a late substitute in last year's World Cup final win against Croatia in Moscow.
