Transfer Market: Mourinho offloads defensive surplus

Real Betis has secured the signing of Fran García, who arrives in Seville to ink a four-year deal. The agreement with Real Madrid, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and Spanish media, was sealed for approximately four million euros, with the Merengues retaining 50% of the player's economic rights.

The left-back, a long-standing target for Manuel Pellegrini's side, is now expected to undergo the customary medical examinations before formalizing his contract. Following the signing, the defender will immediately join the team's pre-season training camp in Germany.

Negotiations, which had dragged on for some time, finally reached a positive conclusion after both parties narrowed their differences. Initially, the Madrid club sought around 10 million euros for the player's transfer, especially after the acquisition of Marc Cucurella, which necessitated the departure of a left-back from José Mourinho's squad. The Béticos, in turn, presented a lower offer but ultimately increased their investment to secure the defender, providing the Spanish capital club with a financial boost for a player not in their immediate plans.

Recently, the player offered a clear hint of his impending transfer on social media. In an Instagram post, García appeared alongside a friend wearing a Betis jersey, while he himself sported a Manchester United kit.

At 26 years old, with stints at Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid, the Spanish international was seeking a new challenge that would allow him to compete in the UEFA Champions League. Betis offers him this opportunity, along with the stability of a long-term contract, which could aid his return to the Spanish national team, for whom he played during the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Last season, he made 24 appearances for the Blancos, but only 14 as a starter.