Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has completed a medical ahead of his return to Real Betis on a free transfer.

Real Betis' Spanish defender Hector Bellerin reacts while sitting on the pitch at the end of the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Granada FC at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, on May 15, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Betis’ Spanish defender Hector Bellerin reacts while sitting on the pitch at the end of the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Granada FC at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville, on May 15, 2022. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports that Hector Bellerin is rejoining Real Betis on a free transfer, having completed his medical tests today. The move is still yet to be announced, but it’s seemingly just a matter of time now.

Reports in early June revealed that Bellerin was heading back to Spain with Betis, after his brief spell with Sporting CP.

After a month without any significant updates, Mateo Gonzalo of Al Final De La Palmera explains that the delay was due to the salary limit on the Betis squad.

The club needed to free up enough space on their wage bill for new signings to join, so Bellerin waited patiently and enjoyed his holidays.

SEVILLE, SPAIN: Hector Bellerin of Real Betis is challenged by Hugo Guillamon of Valencia CF during the Copa del Rey final match between Real Betis and Valencia CF at Estadio La Cartuja on April 23, 2022. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN: Hector Bellerin of Real Betis is challenged by Hugo Guillamon of Valencia CF during the Copa del Rey final match between Real Betis and Valencia CF at Estadio La Cartuja on April 23, 2022. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

On top of being willing to wait, Bellerin has reportedly taken a significant wage cut to rejoin Betis.

AFDLP reports that Bellerin wanted to continue playing for Betis after his initial loan there from Arsenal in 2021/22, but the club simply couldn’t afford it.

Now that Betis finally have space to include the 28-year-old, they’re handing him a long-term deal to 2027.

Matteo Moretto reports that the contracts will be signed shortly.

Real Betis' Spanish defender Hector Bellerin controls the ball during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) final football match between Real Betis and Valencia CF at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, on April 23, 2022. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Betis’ Spanish defender Hector Bellerin controls the ball during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) final football match between Real Betis and Valencia CF at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, on April 23, 2022. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Bellerin left Arsenal in 2022, after 11 years in north London, returning to Barcelona. But after just a few months, the right-back was on the move again, joining Sporting CP.

Only signing a short-term deal with Sporting, Bellerin was free to explore his options again this summer, and he was clearly always keen to return to Betis.

The former Gunner won the Copa del Rey with Betis in 2022, providing an assist in the final and making 32 appearances in all competitions.