Now, here's some proper news. Betis are reportedly on the verge of signing Uruguayan-born naturalised Swede Guillermo Molins, a 24-year-old winger who usually plays on the right. He made his name at Malmö before joining Anderlecht in the summer of 2011, whereupon he almost immediately suffered a serious knee injury that has prevented him from playing more than a handful of games since. The idea is that he would join on loan till the end of the season, with Betis having an option to buy him if he proves himself useful (and, most importantly, over the injury).
I know there are plenty of Swedes reading this blog (and quite a view Belgians)...so, what do you all think?
I remember his time back at Malmö FF. I've never been a huge fan of the Swedish league (Allsvenskan), but i really enjoyed watching Molins play. He was a quality player back then. Skilfull, pacy, good 1 on 1, nice crosses. I would say he looks like Juankar when he plays, just right footed instead of left footed.. I also remember his appearaces against England in the U21 Euro Semi-final against England 2009. He started the match on the bench but came on in the second half and was probably our best player on the pitch. England won the game on penalties though, and Molins was unfortunately the "black sheep" as he missed his penalty. I felt so sorry for him, because he was like the last player who deserved to miss. However, Molins joined Anderlecht 2011 and was planed to be a start player for them. But in the first game for his new club, Molins picked up a injury which meant he was out for 6 month. Under those 6 month he was injured Anderlecht got a new coach, who didn't really gave Molins a serious chance after his "comeback." So Molins haven't really played much at all since he left Malmö FF 2011. I still belive he has potential to become a really good winger, so i hope this turns out to be a good signing! Molins is the type of wingers Mel usually likes, so there's hope!
Good luck, Molins!
Posted by: Linus | Wednesday, 16 January 2013 at 07:54 PM
Great stuff, Linus - more information there than I've read in any of the Spanish press.
Posted by: Adam | Wednesday, 16 January 2013 at 08:06 PM
A true malmo-boy with a heart for malmo. We at Malmo FF hope that he can bring something to the table for real betis, maybe a europe-place! Sevilla es verdiblanco!
Posted by: Douglas | Wednesday, 16 January 2013 at 09:40 PM
This is the first Swedish player in Betis since Johnny Ekström in the promotion season 92-93 (might be a year or so off...), right?
Molins was a very good player in Allsvenskan, and I do really hope he can prove a good signing.
But his history of injury, and perhaps even more so the prolonged period of not playing, makes it difficult to get back into the flow/stride/zone. Players of Molins type are also still relatively scarce in Swedish football, so generally speaking they make a bigger imprint here then when they come to places where there are a lot of other speedy and technical players. Will he compete for Campbell's place (or maybe he's intended as a back up for when Campbell leave)?
And I have to share the image from back in Spring '92 (or '93): A "banner" (green text on a white bed sheet) hanging from a balcony close to the bus station in Granada, where I was studying at the time: Tiembla Europa, Betis está en el primero!
Indeed and manque pierda!
Posted by: David | Thursday, 17 January 2013 at 03:20 PM