Is Goalkeeper Pau Lopez Making a Comeback to Real Betis?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pau Lopez returns to Real Betis on a three-year deal.
- He previously played for Betis in the 2018-2019 season.
- Lopez boasts extensive experience from AS Roma and Olympique de Marseille.
- Betis aims to strengthen their squad ahead of the UEFA Europa League.
- Junior Firpo also rejoined Betis, enhancing their defensive lineup.
Sevilla, July 22 (NationPress) La Liga club Real Betis has officially confirmed the return of goalkeeper Pau Lopez on a three-year contract, ensuring his stay at the club until 2028.
The 30-year-old player revisits the team he previously served during the 2018-2019 season, where he made 33 league appearances and achieved 10 clean sheets before transferring to AS Roma.
Lopez has rejoined Betis via a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the Mexican club Toluca. He is set to challenge veteran Adrian San Miguel and potentially Alvaro Valles for the starting goalkeeper role.
Valles, who also joined Betis on a free transfer from Las Palmas this summer, may be loaned out or sold before the transfer window closes, according to reports from Xinhua.
Pau Lopez boasts extensive European experience, having played 76 matches for Roma and 127 matches for Olympique de Marseille. He has also represented the Spain national team twice, making his debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2019.
This season, Betis is back in the UEFA Europa League after finishing sixth in La Liga last season. The club has made efforts to strengthen its squad, including the return of defender Junior Firpo from Leeds United. New signings include Nobel Mendy, Natan, and winger Rodrigo Riquelme, who transferred from Atletico Madrid.
Recently, Betis secured Junior Firpo on a contract until 2028, with expectations for him to join the squad in Seville next week.
The full-back, developed through the club's youth academy, returns after stints at FC Barcelona and Leeds United FC.
The Dominican international has notable accolades, including a Copa del Rey title and a UEFA European Under-21 Championship with Spain, having previously made 43 appearances for the Verdiblancos, scoring five goals and providing three assists.