“"I arrived on the island after a complicated spell, eager to enjoy myself again, and I certainly did. It has been a beautiful and demanding season, where unfortunately we couldn't achieve our longed-for goal: returning the club and its people to the First Division. Personally, I arrived with the intention of helping the club in any way I could, and I believe I have achieved that, so I hope you feel the same. I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey, my teammates, all the club staff for making daily life so easy, and of course, the fans, because I felt your affection from day one. I leave having learned a lot, with great memories, friendships, and immense affection for this island and its people. It has been an honor, thank you for everything. Gran Canaria will always hold a very important place in my career and my life."
UD Las Palmas Does Not Exercise Purchase Option for Sergio Barcia
The club fails to reach an agreement with Legia Warsaw over the €1.5 million clause, following Mika Mármol's departure.
By Rayco Marrero González
••3 min read
IA
Generic image of a soccer ball on grass with a blurred goal net in the background.
UD Las Palmas will not exercise the option to buy defender Sergio Barcia. The refusal of Legia Warsaw to negotiate the €1.5 million clause marks the end of his loan spell.
Sergio Barcia's departure comes after failing to reach an agreement for his permanent transfer. The Polish club, Legia Warsaw, which owns his rights, did not accept a reduction of the €1.5 million release clause, making his continuity with the yellow team impossible.
This departure is in addition to the already confirmed exit of Mika Mármol to Feyenoord. The central defensive pairing, which was a hallmark of the team last season under Luis García, leaves the Gran Canaria side without its key defenders.
The Galician defender bid farewell through the social media channels of his representation agency, IG Dreams Sport Management, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the affection received during his time on the island. Barcia played 34 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist in 3,018 minutes, noted for his ability to play the ball out from the back and his understanding with Mármol, helping keep 10 clean sheets.
The sporting management has not prioritized Barcia's continuity, unlike the investment made in Taisey Miyashiro. The club will now focus on rebuilding its defense, currently counting on homegrown players Juanma Herzog and Álex Suárez, in addition to the signing of central defender Andrés Rodríguez from Ceuta.
Barcia's injury in the final stages of the season against Valladolid, a minor tear in his right hamstring, prevented him from participating in the promotion playoffs.
