Real Betis emerge as favourites to sign out-of-favour Barcelona forward | OneFootball

Barcelona continue to focus on their exit operations so as to free up space on their salary bill to make room for the new signings.

With Ansu Fati on the verge of joining Monaco and Pablo Torre in advanced talks with Mallorca, the next player expected to depart is Pau Victor.

The 23-year-old forward will leave Barça this summer, having no place in the squad for next season. Multiple La Liga clubs have shown interest including Celta Vigo, Valencia, Osasuna, Getafe, Mallorca, Sevilla, and Real Oviedo

Real Betis favourites to sign Pau Victor

However, according to Estadio Deportivo (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Real Betis have moved ahead in the race to land Pau Victor and are now the favourites to clinch the deal.

The proposed deal would mirror the arrangement being pursued with Pablo Torre and Mallorca: a transfer involving 50% of the player’s rights, plus a favourable buy-back option for Barcelona in case of a breakout season.

Sevilla are also strongly interested in Victor but are proposing a different structure – a loan with an option to buy – which does not align with Barça’s preferred terms.

On his way to Betis? (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

As a result, Real Betis hold the advantage, especially given the strong relationship between the two clubs.

Discussions ongoing since the winter

Discussions between Real Betis and Barcelona over Pau Victor began during negotiations to release Vitor Roque from his loan at Betis so he could join Palmeiras earlier this year. At that time, Betis proposed a loan for the 23-year-old Spaniard until the end of the season.

The deal did not materialise, but the club has now returned with renewed interest. Given the fierce competition in Barcelona’s attack and possible offensive reinforcements, Victor views a move as a positive step, and both clubs are working to reach an agreement.

If completed, Victor would leave Barcelona having made 29 senior appearances but played just 378 minutes. He scored two goals and provided one assist during the 2024/2025 season.

Barcelona are understood to seeking a transfer fee of around €5 million for the former Girona forward.