Hector Bellerin’s camp have denied that a return to Real Betis is on the cards at the moment, but he’s reportedly edging towards a transfer in 2023.

Viktoria Plzen's Czech defender Milan Havel (R) and Barcelona's Spanish defender Hector Bellerin vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match FC Viktoria Plzen v FC Barcelona in Plzen, Czech Republic, on November 1, 2022. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Viktoria Plzen’s Czech defender Milan Havel (R) and Barcelona’s Spanish defender Hector Bellerin vie for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match FC Viktoria Plzen v FC Barcelona in Plzen, Czech Republic, on November 1, 2022. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Estadio Deportivo report that Hector Bellerin’s representatives have suggested a January transfer is unlikely, insisting that there’s nothing in any links with a return to Real Betis at the moment.

But the same outlet add that Betis are very aware of Bellerin’s current situation at Barcelona, and nothing can be ruled out at this stage.

La Liga club Barcelona only signed Bellerin from Arsenal on a one-year deal in the summer, so a transfer in 2023 is a certainty unless they can agree an extension. As it stands, a new deal appears to be a long shot.

Bellerin has made five appearances for the Catalan giants this season, despite quickly debuting and playing 90 minutes in the first game he was available back in September.

Since that day, Bellerin has had to contend with a muscle injury ruling him out for five games, but his return has only led to limited opportunities.

In his seven games since returning to fitness, Bellerin has started in two Champions League group games, both of which came at a point when Barcelona were already mathematically incapable of progressing in the competition.

NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal is challenged by Christoph Daferner and Johannes Geis of 1. FC Nuernberg during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal F.C. at Max-Morlock-Stadion on July 08, 2022. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal is challenged by Christoph Daferner and Johannes Geis of 1. FC Nuernberg during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal F.C. at Max-Morlock-Stadion on July 08, 2022. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

In the league, Bellerin has been on the bench in the last five matches, and he hasn’t come on in the last four.

The 27-year-old will hope the World Cup break gives him an opportunity to break into Xavi’s plans, otherwise, a Barcelona exit seems fairly imminent.

A return to Betis would probably be welcome, as Bellerin made 32 appearances and won the Copa del Rey in his loan campaign with Manuel Pellegrini’s side. But it seems the player’s camp aren’t confident of that move coming to fruition in January.