El Depor negotiates with a Betis reject

The Galician team wants a competitive team and is looking for players with experience in the first division.

Héctor Andreu | 13 Jul 2026 | 13.25
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The Depor negotiates with Ricardo Rodríguez / Eurosport
The Depor negotiates with Ricardo Rodríguez / Eurosport

La Liga
1 X 2
Valencia Real Betis
16/08/26 17:00:00
2.60 3.25 2.63

Ricardo Rodríguez is already looking for a new destination after finishing his time at Real Betis, and everything points to him continuing to compete in LaLiga. The experienced left-back could return to the Spanish league, but this time as a player for Deportivo de la Coruña, who aims to strengthen their squad with experienced players to face their return to the top category of Spanish football successfully.

The Swiss international, who became a free agent after his contract with the Verdiblanco club expired, is considering several proposals from different European leagues. However, the option of the Galician club is gaining strength due to the ambitious sports project being developed at Riazor, as reported by La Opinión de A Coruña.

Ricardo Rodríguez, an opportunity for Deportivo de la Coruña in the market

The sports management of Deportivo de la Coruña is working intensively to assemble a competitive team that will enable them to establish themselves in LaLiga. After securing important signings like Leo Román, the next goal is to reinforce the left-back position with a player who can deliver immediate performance.

In this scenario, Ricardo Rodríguez emerges, a player who would arrive completely free, with the only cost being a signing bonus and his salary.

The Swiss defender, aged 33, offers a track record that is hard to match among free agents in the market. His experience in European competitions and in some of the continent's top leagues makes him a highly attractive profile for a newly promoted team.

Moreover, during the past season with Real Betis, he demonstrated that he can still compete at the highest level. He played 35 official matches, accumulated 2,446 minutes on the field, and was a regular player under Manuel Pellegrini in a season where the Andalusian club finished among the top teams in LaLiga.

The Real Betis closes a chapter, and the left-back seeks a new challenge

The departure of the Swiss international had been anticipated for several weeks.

Real Betis decided not to extend the player's contract, allowing him to negotiate freely with any club. This circumstance has sparked the interest of several European teams seeking to add an experienced left-back without the need to pay a transfer fee.

For Deportivo de la Coruña, this situation presents a fantastic market opportunity. The Swiss player's experience could become a highly valuable asset for a squad that will need leadership and personality in a season marked by the demanding challenge of securing their place in the top flight.

His ability to perform both as a left-back and as a center-back in a three-man defense also adds a tactical component that is particularly interesting for any coach.

El Depor quiere a Ricardo Rodríguez

A special connection with Galicia

Beyond the sporting aspect, there is an emotional factor that could further bring the operation together. Ricardo Rodríguez has always publicly shown his affection for Galicia due to his family roots. His father was born in Crecente, in the province of Pontevedra, and the player himself has explained on numerous occasions that he has a very close relationship with that land.

This sentimental bond could work in favor of Deportivo de la Coruña in what will not be easy negotiations, as the left-back also has offers from other European leagues.

Álex Moreno also on the radar

The Galician club is not limiting its search to a single name. Alongside Ricardo Rodríguez, the sports management is closely monitoring the situation of Álex Moreno, another former Real Betis player currently at Girona FC, with a contract running until June 2027.

The relegation of the Catalan club could facilitate a transfer for a reduced fee, making him another interesting option to reinforce the left side of the defense. However, the chance to bring in a free agent with the international experience of the Swiss remains one of the most appealing options for the Coruña-based club.

The sports planning of Deportivo de la Coruña shows that the goal is not solely to return to LaLiga but to establish themselves in the category for many years. Incorporating players accustomed to competing at the highest level is part of that strategy.

While considering the various offers on the table, Ricardo Rodríguez is keeping all possibilities open for his future. The interest from Deportivo de la Coruña is genuine, and the emotional aspect could make a difference. If both parties can align on financial terms, the former Real Betis player could become one of the most experienced signings of the summer in LaLiga.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Depor negocia con un descarte del Betis