Real Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is delighted to see Alex Moreno turn down a £9 million move to Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest in order to stay at the La Liga club, speaking to Radio Sevilla.
This is not a decision Moreno would have taken lightly.
The 29-year-old left-back will know – deep down – that he might never get a better chance to play Premier League football. But there’s life outside of England’s borders. And, clearly, the Prem was not the be-all-and-end-all as far as Moreno is concerned.
After twice falling short of Real Betis’ asking price, Nottingham Forest agreed a deal at the third time of asking on Sunday. But Moreno pulled the rug from under Steve Cooper’s feet just a few hours later, using Twitter to re-affirm his commitment to a Real Betis side who will be playing Europa League football in 2022/23.
Only time will tell whether Moreno’s decision proves to be the right one.
Alex Moreno chooses Real Betis over Nottingham Forest
“These are positive things,” beams Betis’ former Barcelona and Manchester City ‘keeper Bravo. “This reinforces the squad we have. We have competition and (this) improves the team. This is synonymous with growth.”
No left-back in La Liga contributed more goals and assists than Moreno – 10 combined – across 2022/23. Fulham also expressed an interest in earlier in the summer. That was before seemingly being put off by the costs involved when targeting a player who will be the wrong side of thirty 12 months from now.
“How glad I am of this, my friend,” raves another of Moreno’s Estadio Benino Villamarin team-mates, young attacker Rodri. “(The decision shows) humility and commitment.”
Nottingham Forest are back to square one, then, as they look to add another left-sided full-back to Cooper’s squad before September’s transfer deadline. Not that they are short of alternative options however.
The men from the City Ground are reportedly offering £6 million for Fiorentina’s Italy international Cristiano Biraghi. Talks with Villarreal’s Pervis Estupinan are also underway (FootMercato).
Atalanta’s all-action all-rounder Remo Freuler can play as a left-wing back too, even if he made his name in Bergamo as a stylish central midfielder.
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