Pablo Garcia breaks down in tears leaving Real Betis after deadline day move to Racing Santander

Pablo Garcia broke down in tears as he left Real Betis’ training ground for the final time on deadline day, completing a move to Racing de Santander after being told he had to make way at the La Liga club.

The 20-year-old forward, who joined Betis’ academy at the age of five, was driven away by his mother — herself visibly upset — and could only wave to waiting reporters, too emotional to speak. The deal, which runs until the summer of 2030, came together late in the day, with Garcia’s father Ramon confirming the family had been kept waiting until the final hours.

Reports in Spain suggested Betis moved Garcia on to free up a first-team spot for returning midfielder Dani Ceballos, despite the Sevillian impressing during pre-season under manager Manuel Pellegrini. Garcia had also been linked with a move to Hull City earlier in the window.

Speaking to El Partidazo de Cope, Ramon Garcia did not hide the difficulty of the situation. “Have you seen the boy yet, right? He went to his locker to get his things… and we’re having a hard time,” he said. “Well, once he starts training and all that, he’s going to give it his all and he’s going to make the Racing fans happy, I’m sure of it.”

On the timing of the transfer, Ramon added: “Very late, because it came up this afternoon or I don’t know. The story came up around mid-afternoon and we’ve been waiting until everything was finalised, until quite late. It’s clear that what the boy has always been interested in this year, at 20 years old, is trying to play as much as possible. We were torn between staying here and enjoying whatever minutes he gets or trying to find a way for him to relaunch his career and be able to play and enjoy football, which is what he wants.”

In a farewell statement, Betis confirmed the club retains a sell-on percentage and a matching right as part of the agreement. “The Sevillian forward made his LaLiga debut in January 2025 and now begins a new chapter after making 33 appearances and scoring three goals for the first team,” the club said. Garcia had made 21 senior appearances specifically noted in pre-season coverage, with Betis’ official tally of 33 appearances and three goals covering his full time with the first team.

Racing Santander, who were promoted to La Liga for the 2024-25 season, will be hoping Garcia can provide the regular minutes and platform his family believe he needs to fulfil his potential.