Guido Rodríguez joined West Ham United on a free transfer a year ago, after leaving Real Betis at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The Argentina international has been linked to Real Betis, but the media close to the club regularly dismissed his retain.
Their stance has now changed as Monday’s [ABC Sevilla](https://www.abc.es/sevilla/) reports the La Liga club have the West Ham player on their list. The Andalusian club intend to strengthen four areas, including their midfield, before the window closes.
Rodríguez has been identified as a target for midfield as he knows the club well and Manuel Pellegrini also appreciates him.
He left the club as a free agent despite Real Betis’ desire to retain him. Their directors weren’t happy about that but his desire to join them is seen as ‘an acknowledgment of the mistake he may have made last summer.’
Espanyol recently showed interest in a loan move but weren’t able to find an agreement with the Hammers. ABC Sevilla relay that and then share an update on the possibility of the 31-year-old returning to Real Betis.
The player is doing his part to secure a move back to the Spanish club. The newspaper reports they have set several conditions, including a salary reduction and ‘letter of release’.
In other words, Real Betis want Rodríguez to arrive as a free agent even though he has a contract until 2027 with West Ham. It doesn’t make sense for Graham Potter’s side to let him leave for free.
[El Desmarque](https://www.eldesmarque.com/futbol/real-betis/20250825/guido-rodriguez-opcion-fichaje-betis_300741027.html) relay ABC Sevilla’s claim and then provide their own updates on this case. They say this operation is ‘difficult, but not impossible’ to close, mainly because of West Ham’s high demands.
The World Cup winner needs to make a huge effort to secure a return to Real Betis. It’s claimed he has to lower his salary significantly, less than what Pellegrini’s side offered to renew his contract in 2024.
If Rodríguez were to do this, the feeling is that Real Betis may consider signing him on loan.