Rafinha Alcantara did not complete a move to Real Betis on transfer deadline day because the player did not want to make a long-term commitment to the club, according to their president Angel Haro.
The Brazilian was expected to join the Verdiblancos on loan after returning to parent club Barcelona in the summer, having not been signed on a permanent basis by Inter, with head coach Ernesto Valverde keen to trim his squad ahead of the new season.
However talks broke down on the final day of the transfer window in Spain and the midfielder ultimately remained in Catalonia, despite reports that he is not part of Barcelona’s plans going forward.
Initially it was thought that the deal had fallen through because the two clubs had been unable to agree on a formula for the transfer, but Betis president Angel Haro has now told reporters that the obstacle was Rafinha himself.
“Our first target was Giovani Lo Celso, a player we felt could have completed our midfield options, but PSG were only interested in a loan with an obligation to buy at a high fee.
“Rafinha was also an option though, a player we liked a lot. We convinced Barcelona to let him go but the player did not want to make a long-term commitment to us, and so the deal was off.
“After that we went back to Lo Celso and reached an agreement with PSG.”
Were Rafinha to still be up for sale in January it is possible that Inter could renew their interest for the 25 year-old, having been impressed with the performances he put in for them while on loan last season.
