Jean-Philippe Gbamin could be playing Europa League football with Real Betis this season.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who have reported that Real Betis are eyeing up a move for the midfielder.
Gbamin finds himself without a club following last week’s transfer deadline, with Everton agreeing to terminate his contract in order for him to find regular first team football.
The Ivorian moved to Goodison Park for £25 million in 2019 and was immediately ruled out for two months with a thigh injury, though continuous injury problems meant he only managed three appearances in the next two seasons.
Gbamin then enjoyed two successful loan spells with CKSA Moscow and Trabzonspor but returned to Everton this summer in the knowledge that he was still far down the pecking order.
Both the Toffees and Gbamin were eager to see him leave the club after a nightmare few years, however no side had put themselves forward to cough up the cash to sign him.
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With one year left on his contract, Everton brought an early end to his stay on Merseyside and he is now a free agent.
Could Gbamin reject Rafa Benitez in favour of Real Betis?
The 27-year-old has already been linked with a reunion with Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo, but he could instead be offered the chance to play European football with Real Betis.
The report claims Gbamin is a ‘new and unexpected name’ on Betis’ shortlist, with the Spanish outfit being considered as a replacement for Luiz Felipe.
The midfielder had been considered by Betis earlier in the window if Guido Rodriguez was to leave, but that never happened and so the club ended their interest.
However, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are now considering bringing Gbamin on for free if they can’t make do with their current crop until January.
Real Betis are set to compete in the Europa League for the third consecutive season this year, meaning Gbamin could be part of the squad that takes on Rangers, Sparta Prague and Aris Limassol in the group stage.