The Real Madrid exodus shows no sign of slowing down. The latest high-profile departure is Fran Garcia, who put pen to paper on Wednesday to become a Real Betis player for the next four seasons, committing his future to the club until 30 June 2030.

Following more than a week of intense negotiations, the Andalusian outfit successfully brokered a deal for the 26-year-old left-back—a transfer that initially appeared financially out of reach. The breakthrough came via a structured agreement involving a four-million-euro fee for 50% of his registration rights.

As part of the arrangement, Real Madrid will retain a 50% sell-on clause for any future transfer. Garcia had returned to the Bernabeu in 2023 off the back of three stellar campaigns at Rayo Vallecano, where he developed rapidly after graduating from the Castilla academy. At that time, the 'Merengues' opted to trigger a five-million-euro buy-back option.

However, despite spending three seasons around the first-team squad, Garcia struggled to cement a regular starting berth. His most consistent run in the side came two years ago while deputising during Ferland Mendy's injury absences, but his involvement waned last term, managing just 1,349 minutes across 23 matches—of which only 14 were starts.

The Bolanos de Calatrava native brings his Santiago Bernabeu chapter to a close having made 109 appearances, scoring three goals and providing 13 assists. While the unrelenting pressure of the LaLiga giants proved a tall order, Real Betis have acquired a proven, dynamic outlet for their left flank—a position that has lacked stability since the high-profile sale of Alex Moreno in January 2023.

Garcia represents the second official arrival at the Benito Villamarin ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, following the signing of Fluminense midfielder Facundo Bernal. For Real Madrid, the defender is the fourth departure of the summer, following the contract terminations of Dani Ceballos—also a target for the Verdiblancos—the expiry of Carvajal and Alaba's deals, and the permanent move of Mario Martin to Getafe.

The Madrid hierarchy has further bolstered the club's coffers by offloading 100% of Nico Paz's rights to Como, alongside the exits of Victor Munoz (Liverpool), Alvaro Rodriguez and Alex Jimenez (Bournemouth), and the expected departure of Mario Gila to Milan.

Fran García

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