Betis halts a transfer that was practically finalized
The serious injury of this player has raised alarms in the green-and-white team; they want to see his progress.
Rafita Garrido, a 22-year-old player from Málaga CF, has suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him off the pitch for four months. This setback complicates his potential signing with Real Betis, which had shown interest in acquiring him during the upcoming winter transfer window for an amount close to 8 million euros.
The player is under contract until June 2029 with a release clause of 10 million euros. While some reports suggested an agreement between both clubs, the latest news rules out that a deal has been finalized.Manu Fajardo accelerates the first signing for Betis for 2027.
⚽🚨 Rafita Garrido had to leave injured in the Málaga-Racing match this weekend. After the game, the player underwent medical tests, and the results confirm a tendon injury in the hamstring muscles. Since it affects the tendon, the recovery time is longer than with simple muscle discomfort, making his absence unavoidable for several weeks 💻 More information at https://t.co/hXxMoz09bz #Rafita #MálagaCF #Lesión #Baja
— 101tv.es Málaga (@101tvMalaga) November 9, 2026
Rafita Garrido suffers an injury that complicates his arrival at Betis
The future of Rafita Garrido has undergone a significant change after the match played on November 7 against Racing de Santander. The defender had to leave the field during the first half after feeling discomfort in the back of his left thigh.
Tests conducted at Hospital Quirónsalud Málaga confirmed a tendon injury in the hamstring muscles. The club has not officially established a recovery period, although Radio MARCA Málaga estimates an absence of three to four months.
This forecast would delay his return until February or March 2027, always depending on the evolution of the injury. This situation complicates any movement during the January transfer market.
The setback arrives precisely when the player's name had gained prominence in the transfer market. His ability to play both right and left had sparked the interest of several Spanish teams.
Real Betis planned to invest 8 million euros
Real Betis had been following the defender's performances for weeks. According to journalist Marcos Benito, the green and white club had reached a preliminary agreement to acquire him for 8 million euros, allowing him to continue on loan at Málaga until the end of the season.
However, ESTADIO Deportivo later denied that a firm commitment existed. What it did confirm is that Manu Fajardo keeps the player on his agenda as a possible reinforcement for the full-backs.
The Betis management particularly values his versatility. On the right, they currently have Héctor Bellerín and Ángel Ortiz, while on the left, the situation of Junior Firpo keeps the debate open regarding potential signings.
Moving up to LaLiga is no longer a mystery for Rafita, who is competing in the First Division with Málaga this season. His performances have also allowed him to be included in the Spanish under-21 national team calls.
Málaga CF loses one of its starters until 2027
The injury also poses a sporting problem for Málaga CF. Juanfran Funes had made the full-back a regular part of his lineups, using him in different positions depending on the team's needs.
His absence will force the coach to look for alternatives for the upcoming matches in LaLiga, starting with the game against Osasuna on November 22. The player will also be unable to participate in the commitments of the under-21 national team during this international break.
Regarding the transfer market, any negotiations for Rafita Garrido are conditioned by his recovery. Betis and other interested clubs will need to assess his progress over the coming months before deciding whether to make a formal offer for the summer of 2027.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Betis paraliza un fichaje que tenía prácticamente cerrado