Guido Rodriguez could potentially complete a triumvirate of former West Ham United employees with a return to Real Betis on the cards for the Valencia veteran.
The Argentina international has made an ‘exceptional’ impact since returning to Spanish soil during the January transfer window.
West Ham United allowed Guido Rodriguez to leave the London Stadium on a free transfer after just 18 months of Premier League football, the 2022 World Cup winner joining Valencia on a short-term deal.
Where do YOU think it went wrong for Guido Rodriguez? 🇦🇷
And is letting him go the right move?
Having won four out of nine games with Rodriguez compared to five in 26 without him, Valencia are keen to keep the veteran midfielder at the Mestalla. However, competition for his signature is emerging.
Real Betis want to bring back ex-West Ham United midfielder Guido Rodriguez
Superdeporte claim that former employers Real Betis had scouts in attendance as Rodriguez scored twice against Celta Vigo in a 3-2 defeat last weekend; his first brace in seven years.
Villarreal, sitting third and almost certain to secure Champions League qualification, are interested too.
But Real Betis, who already employ former West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini and Hammers cult hero Pablo Fornals, have an obvious advantage over their fellow suitors. Rodriguez spent five years with Los Verdiblancos, playing the best football of his career.
He even caught the eye of Barcelona, having established himself as one of the finest defensive midfielders in the competition.
Rodriguez fully focused on keeping Valencia in La Liga
Rodriguez, who celebrated his 32nd birthday a few days ago, is keen to keep the speculation at an arm’s length for now however.
“The most important thing, is to finish the season well, to enjoy it and win these remaining matches,” says Rodriguez, whose Valencia side are 15th but only three points above the relegation zone ahead of a sprawling survival battle consisting of half the league.
Andoni Iraola is LEAVING Bournemouth!
But would you swap Nuno for the Cherries boss?
“That’s the most important thing and what I’m thinking about right now.”
Scorer of that Conference League semi-final winner against AZ Alkmaar three years ago next month, Pablo Fornals has a spot in Spain’s World Cup squad within his grasp following a superb campaign at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Questions are being asked about Manuel Pellegrini, however, following seven winless La Liga fixtures. Betis’ worst winless run a decade leaves the fifth-place side in danger of being overtaken by Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad and Getafe.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
