Real Betis sign defender Marcos Alonso from Barcelona in €25m deal

Real Betis have completed the signing of defender Marcos Alonso from Barcelona for an initial €25m fee, with the deal including performance-related add-ons. The 33-year-old has signed a four-year contract at the Benito Villamarín Stadium, ending his two-season spell at Camp Nou.

Barcelona confirmed the permanent transfer as part of their ongoing efforts to balance financial accounts, with Alonso not featuring in manager Hansi Flick's plans for the new season. The left-back made 45 appearances across all competitions for Barça after joining on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022, winning La Liga in his debut campaign.

Betis view Alonso's experience and versatility as crucial additions to their backline as they aim to improve on last season's seventh-place finish. The Seville-based club will benefit from his ability to play both center-back and left-back roles, providing cover for first-choice full-back Juan Miranda.

For Alonso, the move offers regular playing time ahead of what could be his final career contract. The former Fiorentina and Bolton Wanderers defender retains sharpness after making 24 league appearances last term, though primarily as a late-game substitute.

The transfer sees Betis continue their policy of recruiting seasoned La Liga operators, following last summer's acquisition of Héctor Bellerín. Barcelona have now generated over €60m in player sales this summer as they work to comply with league financial regulations.