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Kévin Denkey was one of the names that Real Betis considered during the recently closed transfer window to strengthen their attack. The Togolese forward perfectly fit the sought-after profile, but the deal never materialized.
The sporting direction of Real Betis, led by Manu Fajardo, had prioritized the addition of an established forward who could compete in LaLiga alongside Cucho Hernández.
However, the circumstances were never favorable. Bakambu's refusal to leave and the lack of other outgoing deals ended up hindering any moves in the attacking department.
Kévin Denkey, a long-time target for Real Betis
The name of Kévin Denkey is not new to Heliópolis. According to EstadioDeportivo, Betis had already inquired about him in previous transfer windows when he was excelling at Club Brugge. His performance in Belgium was outstanding, catching the attention of numerous clubs and putting him in the European spotlight.
That progress led to an unexpected destination. The forward ended up signing with Cincinnati, who made a strong bet on him a year ago. Nonetheless, Real Betis did not lose track of him and revisited his situation in the most recent transfer window.
Discussions that did not come to fruition
According to various reports, the Verdiblanco club made a formal approach to understand the conditions for a potential transfer of Kévin Denkey. There were talks between the parties, but the negotiations did not progress significantly, primarily due to Cincinnati's financial demands.
The American club stood firm from the start. They were not in a rush to sell and set a high price to release their goal-scorer. This stance cooled Betis' interest, as they were not willing to make a disproportionate effort.
Above-market price
Cincinnati currently values Kévin Denkey at around 20 million euros, a figure higher than his current market value. Nevertheless, Ohio's club prefers to retain the player rather than sell him below their expectations.
In MLS, Denkey has responded with goals. He has had a notable season, maintaining his reputation as a reliable forward. At 25 years old, he remains a player with room for growth and international appeal, explaining his high price.

Ideal fit for LaLiga
From a sporting perspective, Kévin Denkey fully met Real Betis' requirements. He is a powerful forward, adept at playing with his back to goal, attacking the box, and possessing a proven goal-scoring instinct.
Additionally, his age makes him an attractive investment for both the short and medium term to compete in LaLiga. However, the market circumstances ended up working against Betis' interest.
A name that remains on the radar
The failure to finalize the deal does not mean that Betis is definitively ruling out the player. The club believes that Kévin Denkey will continue to be an interesting option if the situation changes in future transfer windows.
Although his contract runs until 2028, football is dynamic and scenarios can quickly change. It also mattered that the player himself did not push for a move away from Cincinnati, content with his time in the MLS.
Market impacted by departures
Betis concluded the transfer window without offensive reinforcements, aware that the necessary conditions were not met. The priority was to create space in the squad, which ultimately did not happen, leaving Fajardo with no room to maneuver.
Thus, Kévin Denkey remained an unrealized opportunity but not forgotten. Time will tell if the Togolese forward crosses paths with Real Betis again. Currently, the club takes note, waits, and continues to monitor the market, with LaLiga as the stage and Denkey marked for future opportunities.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El delantero que se le ha escapado en el último minuto al Betis
