Former Arsenal Star Sokratis Papastathopoulos Linked with Real Betis Transfer
Former Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos could be given a lifeline in his career by Spanish club Real Betis. The 35-year-old Greek player has been without a club since leaving Olympiacos over the summer.
Real Betis is considering a move for Sokratis after their former Barcelona star Marc Bartra suffered an Achilles injury that will keep him out of action for several months. Sokratis, who previously played alongside Bartra at Borussia Dortmund, is available immediately as cover.
Real Betis has had a decent start to the new season, winning three and drawing four of their nine matches. If the transfer goes through, Sokratis could feature in their upcoming match against Getafe after the international break.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Betis will make a decision about signing Sokratis as a new center-back on a free agent deal within the next 24 hours. Discussions are taking place, and it is up to the club to make the final decision. Sokratis would replace Bartra in the squad due to his injury.
Sokratis is best known to English fans for his two-and-a-half-year spell at Arsenal. He joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 for a fee of £17 million and scored six goals in 69 matches. Sokratis also won the FA Cup during his time at Arsenal.
In January 2021, Sokratis was transferred to Olympiacos, where he won two Greek titles before being released in July. Now, he could have the opportunity to continue his career at Real Betis.
This potential transfer could provide Sokratis with a fresh start and a chance to contribute to Real Betis’ success in the Spanish league. The experienced defender brings valuable skills and knowledge to the team, having played at top clubs like Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
Real Betis’ interest in Sokratis highlights their determination to strengthen their squad and maintain their positive start to the season. With three wins and four draws, the team has shown promise and could benefit from Sokratis’ defensive abilities.
Sokratis’ arrival at Real Betis would not only provide cover for the injured Bartra but also add depth and competition to the squad. His experience and leadership qualities could have a positive impact on the team’s performance both on and off the pitch.
For Sokratis, joining Real Betis would offer him the opportunity to continue competing at a high level and showcase his skills in one of Europe’s top leagues. The move to Spain could reignite his career and potentially lead to further success in the future.
Overall, the potential transfer of Sokratis Papastathopoulos to Real Betis presents an exciting opportunity for both the player and the club. It remains to be seen whether the deal will be finalized, but if it goes through, Sokratis could make an immediate impact and contribute to Real Betis’ ambitions for the season.