Álvaro Fidalgo and Nelson Deossa arrived at Real Betis with high expectations following their respective stints in Liga MX. Still, months later, their paths in Spain took a very different turn than expected.
Fidalgo has struggled to make an impact
Fidalgo arrived at Heliópolis after becoming one of América’s key players during their three-peat. The Spanish midfielder was a pivotal part of one of América’s most successful eras, winning one Clausura title, two Apertura championships, and one Campeones Cup.
Betis paid approximately $1.7 million for his transfer, a deal that América accepted after the player expressed his desire to return to Spain. Fidalgo had only six months remaining on his contract with the Águilas, and the club facilitated his departure after the years he spent as one of the team’s key players.
However, his stint in LaLiga was far from the prominence he achieved in Mexico. During the first half of 2026, he played in 13 matches and scored one goal—statistics that were not enough to secure a regular spot under Manuel Pellegrini.
Given this situation, Betis is already considering letting Fidalgo go. The club is willing to sell him, and keeping him on the roster is not a priority. The goal is to recoup the investment made in the midfielder, a figure of less than $2 million, and to reduce payroll to secure the signing of at least two new players.
So far, however, no offers have emerged that would allow for his departure. Fidalgo also does not view a return to Liga MX as his first option, although his name would carry significant weight in the Mexican market following his stint with América.
Deossa: Another investment that didn’t pan out
Nelson Deossa’s story is different, mainly due to the amount Betis invested to bring him to Spain. The Colombian was purchased from Monterrey for a fee close to $15 million, following stints with Pachuca and Rayados and after earning a spot on the Colombian national team.
Betis took a big gamble on a midfielder known for his physicality, ball-handling, and ability to make runs from deep. His adaptation to European soccer, however, was hampered first by physical problems and later by a lack of playing time.
Deossa arrived with an ankle injury and didn’t make his debut until the fourth matchday. He then suffered another injury and, at various points during the season, was also sidelined due to coaching decisions.
During the final stretch of the season, his situation became even more complicated. The Spanish press reported a significant decrease in his playing time and cited rumors regarding off-field issues, although these were not officially confirmed. In March, for example, Deossa played in only two of Betis’s six matches.
Manuel Pellegrini explained that physical problems and the process of adapting to European soccer had affected the Colombian’s performance.
Unlike Fidalgo, Deossa has seen playing time with Betis and still attracts interest in the transfer market. América inquired about his situation, and he has also been linked to other clubs, although so far there has been no formal offer that would have sealed his departure.
Betis is looking to recoup a significant portion of the $15 million it invested in the Colombian. Greece’s Olympiacos has shown interest and is among the teams that could try to bring him out of Spain. A deal exceeding $10 million keeps alive the possibility that Deossa could leave the Seville-based club during this transfer window.
Guido Rodríguez, the “Role Model”
The situation for Fidalgo and Deossa contrasts with that of Guido Rodríguez, who remains the prime example of a player from Liga MX who has successfully established himself at Betis. The Argentine arrived from América in January 2020 and quickly became one of the team’s most important midfielders. During his four and a half years with the club, he won the Copa del Rey and earned enough recognition to return to the Premier League with West Ham.
Guido also left a significant mark on the team and the fans, who cheered the South American defensive midfielder during his time at Betis. After leaving the Spanish club, he played for West Ham and later returned to Spain to join Valencia. His career path stands in stark contrast to the situation currently facing Fidalgo and Deossa, two players who arrived from Liga MX with high expectations but are now among the players Betis is considering trading.
