Valencia sign Real Betis defender Martínez in €25m deal

Valencia have completed the signing of defender Javier Martínez from La Liga rivals Real Betis for a reported €25 million fee. The 26-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Mestalla through June 2028, with the deal confirmed by both clubs on Thursday afternoon.

The move strengthens Valencia's backline after conceding 53 league goals last season, while Betis capitalizes on Martínez's rising market value following his consistent performances. The Andalusian club initially signed the center-back from Granada in 2021 for €8 million, tripling their investment through this sale.

Martínez made 87 appearances across three seasons for Betis, starting 28 league matches last campaign as Manuel Pellegrini's side finished seventh. His aerial dominance and progressive passing saw him rank among La Liga's top 15 defenders for clearances (4.1 per game) and pass completion (86.3%) in 2023-24.

Valencia sporting director Rubén Uría described the signing as "strategic for our defensive restructuring" in an official statement. Betis acknowledged the transfer through brief social media posts, with club sources telling Marca they plan to reinvest funds into attacking reinforcements.

The transfer continues Valencia's summer rebuild under owner Peter Lim, following last month's acquisition of midfielder André Almeida from Benfica. Martínez becomes their second defensive signing after the free transfer of Levante right-back Jorge López.