Nottingham Forest-linked playmaker Houssem Aouar could be set to join Real Betis on a free transfer next summer. According to Estadio Deportivo, the player has now made his mind up to join the La Liga outfit when his contract expires.
The Reds had agreed on a £12.5 million deal to sign Aouar in the summer. A breakthrough in the club’s quest to sign Morgan Gibbs-White put an end to their interest, however, and the player remained in France.
This season hasn’t gone particularly well for the player. He’s scored once during 2022/23 but has actually made just six appearances this season, with injury robbing the player of a chance to play more games.
Now, it seems that Aouar is going to Spain. Real Betis have enjoyed a couple of decent seasons and won the Copa del Rey during the 2021/22 campaign.
They look to have won the race to land Aouar on a free transfer. From a Forest perspective, that’s a shame and if they do stay up, they might have fancied entering the race for the Frenchman themselves.
Aouar is a product of the youth academy at Lyon. He’s a firm fan favourite and has made 221 appearances for the club, scoring 41 goals and claiming 35 assists for the French outfit.
Aouar set to join Real Betis on a free
Even though the Reds look to have hit the jackpot with Gibbs-White, it’s fair to say that Aouar could have still been useful. He’s experienced, can play in several positions and at 24-years-old he brings lots to the team.
Aouar should be capable of heading to Spain and making an impact. He’s one of Europe’s brightest young talents but is at the age now where he’s got plenty of experience to his name in France.
Forest will have to go back to the drawing board. With Jesse Lingard only on a one-year deal, the Reds could be in the market for another number 10 when the end of the season comes around.
It looks as though Real Betis are now in the driving season. As a result, Forest will wonder whether or not they will live to rue this decision further down the line in the future.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
