Valencia agree €50m deal with Real Betis for midfielder

Valencia have reached an agreement with Real Betis for the permanent transfer of midfielder Carlos Soler, with the deal worth an initial €50m. The 25-year-old Spain international is set to sign a five-year contract at Benito Villamarín Stadium, pending a medical scheduled for Friday.

Soler leaves Valencia after coming through their youth academy and making 226 senior appearances since his 2016 debut. His departure follows months of negotiations between the clubs, with Betis activating a release clause in his contract after failing to secure European qualification last season.

The move strengthens Betis' midfield options as they prepare for their sixth consecutive La Liga campaign under Manuel Pellegrini. Soler's versatility and technical quality make him a natural replacement for the departing Andrés Guardado, who left the club after his contract expired.

For Valencia, the sale represents significant financial relief amid ongoing ownership uncertainty. The fee could rise to €55m with performance-related add-ons, providing crucial funds for reinvestment in their squad. Soler's exit follows a mixed 2022-23 season where he contributed 7 goals and 9 assists across all competitions.

This transfer marks Soler's first career move after spending his entire professional career at Mestalla. His arrival at Betis signals increased ambition from the Seville-based club, who finished eighth in La Liga last term but remain committed to challenging for European places.