Real Betis expects that the Argentine defender Germán Pezzella will return to his home country next season to play for River Plate. However, they've let the Buenos Aires club know that they'll only let the World Cup champion go if his release clause is paid in full.

Sources involved in the deal have confirmed to EFE that Betis' sports management is already looking for a replacement for Pezzella, but only if River Plate pays the 4.5 million euros needed to terminate his contract, which runs until June 30, 2026.

The 33-year-old from Bahía Blanca has played 179 matches for Betis over two stints. He first joined the Andalusian club in the summer of 2015 for two seasons, was then transferred to Italian side Fiorentina, and came back to Seville in 2021, just in time to win the Copa del Rey in April 2022.

According to Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, River Plate is ready to pay the defender’s release clause. Real Betis was asking for four million euros for their player in this transfer market, as reported by Diario As. Additionally, as per César Luis Merlo, Pezzella will sign a contract with the millonarios until 2027. Gallardo's presence has been crucial in these negotiations. This departure leaves Manuel Pellegrini’s team’s central defense shaky, and Betis will need to find two new candidates for this position.

Germán Pezzella first joined Real Betis in a transfer window like this one back in 2015. Two years later, in 2017, he moved to ACF Fiorentina but returned to the verdiblancos in 2021. Now, this summer, he might be saying goodbye to the Betis fans once again. With 179 matches, 15,455 minutes, and six goals, the Argentine will leave behind a lasting impression in the memories of the Heliópolis fans. Many years together and many unforgettable moments. A tough farewell for the Betis supporters and the club itself.