West Ham prepared to trigger Pablo Garcia release clause as transfer timeline emerges

West Ham have shown an interest in signing Real Betis’ Pablo Garcia.

West Ham remain in urgent need of reinforcements given their situation in the Premier League, despite their latest 2-1 win over Tottenham.

Leeds United’s victory over Fulham means the Hammers are still eight points behind them, though the gap on Forest was reduced to five points.

Defensive arrivals remain a must for West Ham, given the fact that they have the worst record in that regard in the Premier League, but the latest rumour concerns Garcia.

West Ham ready to pay £26m for Pablo Garcia

The Hammers have already bolstered their attacking options with the arrivals of Taty Castellanos and Pablo, the former of whom has already scored his first goal for the club.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo has very few wide options to choose from, especially after the departure of Luis Guilherme.

Now, the Irons are looking to address that with the signing of Garcia from Betis, according to a report from Fichajes.

Garcia, 19, has a £26million release clause at Betis, and West Ham are said to see him as an immediate asset to help them fight against relegation.

Bournemouth are also keen on the winger, who has made 19 appearances across all competitions for the La Liga outfit this season.

The report adds that his situation at Betis is expected to be resolved soon.

Who is the latest West Ham target?

Garcia, like many of those currently at Real Betis, emerged through their own academy.

He made his debut for the senior team in the 2024-25 campaign and very quickly became an integral part of their matchday squad, as demonstrated by his involvement this season.

The 19-year-old scored his first goal for Betis in the Copa del Rey this season, which is the competition where all three of his goal contributions have arrived.

Garcia’s stats this season

Ironically, given the interest from West Ham, it was Manuel Pellegrini who handed the Spaniard his debut and made history by becoming the first player in their 118-year history to reach the first team after passing through each of the club’s youth levels.

Garcia has a contract until 2029, meaning Betis are under no immediate pressure to sell him.

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