Emerson’s Barcelona-Betis limbo explained

Real Betis managing director Jose Miguel Lopez Catalan spoke to clear up the situation surrounding Brazilian fullback Emerson.

As reported by Marca, Barcelona bought Emerson’s contract from Atletico Mineiro for €12 million earlier this year, and then they sold half of the rights regarding the player to Betis. It has been agreed between the two clubs that Emerson would play for the club from Seville at least until the summer of 2021, at which time Barcelona would decide whether to bring him to the Camp Nou or not.

Meanwhile, reports surfaced claiming that there was a clause in the agreement which would allow the Catalans to take the 20-year-old for themselves even before 2021, but Catalan has denied such claims. Speaking to Radio Marca, the Betis official described such information as false. He confirmed that the two clubs are in constant contact over Emerson’s progress, as well as that there are Barcelona representatives watching every game he plays, but he made it very clear that the La Liga champions do not have the option of taking Emerson from Betis without their consent.

A potential move before 2021 would have to be negotiated and agreed between all parties involved.