Pablo Garcia made history on Deadline Day in Spain. The 20-year-old left Real Betis’ training facility Monday night alongside his mother—both in tears.
Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi to FC Barcelona—this summer has seen several high-profile transfers in La Liga. But on Deadline Day, one transfer took place that had all of Spain talking the very next day. And at first glance, it seems rather unspectacular to outsiders: Real Betis sold 20-year-old Pablo Garcia to La Liga newcomer Racing Santander for a reported 5.5 million euros.
The sale, however, sparked major controversy in the heart of Andalusia. This is because the homegrown player apparently had no intention of leaving the storied club this summer. The player’s reaction, which caused the story to go viral, is therefore understandable. Videos surfaced that night showing Pablo Garcia in a car with his mother: As they left the club’s grounds—with many fans cheering him on and some media representatives waiting for a statement—both were highly emotional and in tears.
Telling reactions under the Ceballos post
Not the typical reaction when a young player leaves the club on Deadline Day. According to Spanish media reports, however, space had to be made in the roster—for returnee Dani Ceballos. Under his social media announcement, fans are criticizing the club’s management just as harshly as they did under Pablo Garcia’s farewell statement. Betis will “always be a part of me,” the youngster makes clear in the post.
Betis remains convinced of this exceptional talent’s potential and is said to have secured 50 percent of the transfer rights as part of the deal. Pablo Garcia had made a big impression on German fans in June 2025 when he excelled in a memorable U-19 European Championship semifinal against the DFB Juniors: In the 6–5 victory in extra time, the standout player scored four goals on his own.
Hopes were high this summer for a major breakthrough in Seville: Pablo Garcia came off the bench in all three La Liga matches—and even led his team to victory in Valencia as a game-changing substitute.
“It’s a very difficult time for everyone, but we have to keep our heads up and look ahead,” Pablo Garcia was quoted as saying at the airport before departure: “I hope to return; that’s what we all want. There were many things I couldn’t control. I wish everything had gone the way we’d hoped.”
Pablo Garcia’s father later spoke to the radio station Cope, referring to a “tough time”: “If the Betis fans are already feeling this way, imagine how we must feel. It’s been 15 years—an eternity.”
The present is Santander. And the newly promoted team, with which Pablo Garcia signed a contract through June 30, 2030, hasn’t gotten off to a bad start at all: With one win, one draw, and one loss, the team currently sits ninth in the standings, just two points and two spots behind Betis.
