SC Heerenveen has signed Darling Bladi from Real Betis, which is the club's first acquisition of the summer. The 22-year-old French-Ivorian left-back has signed a three-year contract, which includes an option for an additional season. Bladi joined the Spanish club a year ago on a free transfer from Saint-Étienne and mostly played for their second team, making just one appearance for the senior side. The transfer fee Heerenveen paid for the defender has not been disclosed. Technical manager Johan Hansma told the club's channels that he was happy with the transfer, describing Bladi as a physically strong and fast player with potential who contributes both defensively and offensively. At Heerenveen, Bladi will compete for the left-back position, a role the club sought to reinforce because they had only one natural player for that position last season. Transfermarkt estimates his current market value at €300k.