Left-back Fran Garcia has completed a transfer from Real Madrid to Betis for a reported sum of around four million euros. Garcia, 26, has inked a four-year contract with Betis, securing his stay until June 2030, with Betis obtaining half of his economic rights. Previously, Garcia had joined Real Madrid from Rayo Vallecano in 2023, emerging from the club’s youth system.
During his tenure at Real Madrid, Garcia made 109 appearances over three years, showcasing his reliability on the field, despite often playing second fiddle to Ferland Mendy or Alvaro Carreras. His departure was facilitated by the high-profile signing of Spain’s Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this season, paving the way for his move to Betis. Notably, he becomes the second player to exit Real Madrid this summer, following Dani Ceballos.
In another transfer development, midfielder Unai Gomez bid farewell to Athletic Bilbao, joining Udinese in Italy after 12 years with the Spanish club. Udinese has secured Gomez, 23, on a contract until June 2031, with a transfer fee of about 4.5 million euros (5.1 million U.S. dollars) plus additional variables paid to Athletic Bilbao. Additionally, the Spanish club stands to earn a percentage from any future transfer involving Gomez.
Hailing from Bermeo near Bilbao, Gomez rose through Athletic Bilbao’s youth ranks before debuting against Real Madrid in the 2023-2024 La Liga season. With 117 appearances and six goals for the club, Gomez’s versatility across various positions, including central midfield and the left wing, marked his tenure. However, the return of certain players and the coach’s preferences led to his departure to Udinese, where he will reunite with former teammate Oier Zarraga.
