Javi García Returns to Spain, Will Play With Real Betis

Real Betis has officially announced that they have signed defensive midfielder Javi García from Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg for €1.5 million, according to Mundo Deportivo.

García will make his return to his homeland after spending eight years away from Spain, playing in various leagues in Europe since 2009.

The former Real Madrid academy product is known for his tenure in Benfica and Manchester City in which he totaled over 200 appearances for both clubs.

Since then, he has spent the last three years in the Russian Premier League appearing in 108 games and scoring seven goals for Zenit.

Now the 30-year-old will make his way to a Real Betis that has been fortifying their squad with many transfers in that include Andrés Guardado, Algerian international Ryad Boudebouz and Víctor Camarasa.

Betis hopes that these incoming players will help them finish better than 15th place, where they ended the season just eight points above the relegation spots.