Real Betis are facing a defensive crisis due to Marc Bartra’s injury and considers free agent Sokratis Papastathopoulos as an emergency option.

However, Sokratis reportedly rejects Betis, holding out for a Bayern Munich offer.

Real Betis are reportedly considering Sokratis Papastathopoulos as an emergency solution to cope with Marc Bartra‘s injury, leaving them in a precarious situation at the back. The Greek centre-back, who is a free agent after leaving Olympiacos, meets Betis’ need for an internationally experienced central defender.

However, Sokratis has recently declined the move, holding out hope for a call from Bayern Munich, who are themselves struggling with injuries to key defenders like Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Bundesliga champions have been rumoured to be interested in reuniting Sokratis with his former manager Thomas Tuchel, who coached him at Borussia Dortmund.

Currently, Betis only have Germán Pezzella and Chadi Riad as natural centre-backs. This shortage has forced manager Manuel Pellegrini to use defensive midfielders like Marc Roca and Guido Rodríguez in central defence, particularly in the Europa League where Riad’s absence has been noticeably felt.

Sokratis’ prior experience with Arsenal could have provided Betis with much-needed flexibility in their defensive setup.

His availability on a free transfer added to his appeal, and with a valuation of only €1m, he could have been seen as a low-risk, high-reward option.

However, it remains to be seen if Bayern Munich will act on Sokratis’ hopes for a move to the Bundesliga champions.