The most expensive signings in the history of Real Betis Balompié

Last update 14 January, 2025 by Alberto Llopis

Who are Betis' most expensive signings in its history??

Real Betis Balompié, one of the most historic clubs in Spanish football, He has demonstrated on several occasions his ambition to compete at the highest level both in Spain and in Europe.. Over the years, The green and white club has made large-scale signings, investing in quality players to strengthen their squad. Next, we review the five most expensive signings in Betis history, based on verified data.

Denilson de Oliveira Araújo: A world record in 1998

In 1998, Betis made history by signing Brazilian winger Denílson for 31,5 million euros or what was the same, 5300 million pesetas. This transfer not only became the most expensive signing in the history of Real Betis, but also a world record at that time.

And it came to be above that of Ronaldo Nazario that had cost him 4000 Millions to Inter Milan a few months before. Denílson arrived from São Paulo FC with the star poster, highlighting for its technical and spectacular ability in the field. Although his performance in the team was irregular, His signing marked a milestone for Spanish and world football.

Borja Iglesias: Goals at the price of gold in 2019

The second most expensive signing in the history of Real Betis is Borja Iglesias. In 2019, The Spanish striker arrived at the club from RCD Espanyol by 28 millions of euros. The attacker had shone in an RCD Espanyol that reached the Europa League that year.

Known as “The Panda”, Borja Iglesias quickly won the affection of the fans thanks to his goals and his combative spirit. His signing represented a clear commitment to reinforce the green and white forward line with a player in his best moment.. Then his career as a green and white player has been irregular for better and worse.. What is clear is one of the Betis' most expensive signings in its history.

Young Lo Celso: Argentine talent for the midfield (2019)

That same year, Betis paid out 22 million euros to acquire the services of Giovani Lo Celso, Argentine midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain. After a successful season loan 2018-2019, where he established himself as a key part of the team, The club decided to spend a large sum of money and acquire it as property.

Lo Celso provided quality, vision of the game and arrival from the second line, leaving a significant mark on the team. He was then sold to Tottenham for a much larger sum and returned to the Betic club in the summer of 2024 for a second stage after passing through Villarreal.

Nabil Fekir: French quality in attack (2019)

Summer 2019 He was key in Betis' transfer policy, since that same year he brought in French playmaker Nabil Fekir from Olympique Lyon for 19,75 millions of euros. World champion in 2018, Fekir arrived as a renowned player, contributing creativity, imbalance and goal to the attack of the green and white team. His signing was considered a strategic move to compete at the highest level.

William Carvalho: Strength in midfield (2018)

In 2018, Betis reinforced its midfield with the signing of Portuguese William Carvalho, coming from Sporting Lisbon. The operation amounted to 16 millions of euros, plus four million in variables, becoming one of the club's most ambitious signings. Carvalho brought balance and solidity to the midfield, becoming a pillar of the team for several seasons.