Real Betis Loans Promising Midfielder Mateo Flores to Arouca with Conditional Purchase Option
Real Betis has finalized a loan agreement for **Mateo Flores**, their 21-year-old midfielder, with Portuguese Primeira Liga side Arouca. The deal includes a conditional purchase option that allows Arouca to buy Flores outright under specific conditions. This move is part of Real Betis’ strategy to provide the young player with more competitive playing time while maintaining a significant portion of his rights.
## Background on Mateo Flores
Mateo Flores has recently extended his contract with Real Betis until 2029, showcasing the club’s confidence in his potential. Last season, Flores made significant contributions to both the first team and Betis B, featuring in 17 first-team matches across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Conference League, and playing 20 matches for the B team. Despite his progress, the crowded midfield at Betis, coupled with ongoing recruitment efforts, necessitated a loan to ensure his development continues at a higher level.
## Interested Clubs and Transfer Details
Arouca was not the only club interested in acquiring Flores. Portuguese side **Gil Vicente** and Spanish clubs **Albacete** and **Mirandés** also expressed interest in the talented midfielder. The loan agreement with Arouca is particularly appealing due to the purchase option, which would allow them to secure Flores permanently if certain conditions are met. Specifically, Arouca must avoid relegation in the 2025/26 season to trigger the purchase clause, which would require them to pay a fee of €1.4 million for 80% of Flores’ rights.
## Strategic Implications for Real Betis and Arouca
For Real Betis, this loan is part of broader midfield restructuring efforts following the departures of key players like **Johnny Cardoso** and **William Carvalho**. The club aims to bolster its midfield with additional signings, seeking a total of five central midfielders for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Arouca is keen to enhance its midfield with dynamic talent, viewing Flores as a potential long-term asset if they can maintain their Primeira Liga status.
## Conclusion
The loan of Mateo Flores to Arouca marks a strategic move for both clubs. It provides Flores with the opportunity to gain vital experience in a competitive environment while ensuring Real Betis retains significant control over his future. For Arouca, securing a talented young midfielder like Flores could be a key factor in their bid to solidify their position in the Primeira Liga.
What is the nature of Mateo Flores’ transfer to Arouca?
Mateo Flores has been loaned to Arouca with a conditional purchase option, allowing Arouca to buy him outright if they avoid relegation in the 2025/26 season.
Why is Mateo Flores being loaned out by Real Betis?
Despite his recent contract renewal, Flores’ opportunities at Real Betis may be limited due to the crowded midfield and ongoing transfer activities. The loan aims to provide him with more playing time at a higher competitive level.
Which other clubs were interested in Mateo Flores?
In addition to Arouca, clubs like Gil Vicente, Albacete, and Mirandés showed interest in acquiring Flores.
What are the conditions for Arouca to trigger the purchase option?
Arouca must avoid relegation in the 2025/26 season to trigger the purchase clause, which involves paying a fee of €1.4 million for 80% of Flores’ rights.