Racing Santander accuses Barcelona of fraud in Pablo Torre transfer
Racing Santander has lodged a formal complaint with La Liga alleging Barcelona structured Pablo Torre's sale to Mallorca to avoid paying the agreed sell‑on clause from 2022. The claim, voiced by president Manolo Higuera, argues the Catalan club valued the player at €10 million despite the transfer being recorded at €4.95 million, leaving Racing without the expected revenue.
What exactly happened?
In 2022, Barcelona paid €5 million for Torre and accepted a clause that would require the club to share any future profit. Three years later, Torre moved to Mallorca for €4.95 million, generating no profit for Barcelona and, according to Racing, not triggering the clause. AS reports the Catalan side inserted a €10 million buy‑back clause that Racing believes masks the true valuation and sidesteps the payment to the Santander club.
Why does this matter for Racing Santander?
Racing Santander, which finished the 2025 season as undisputed leader of the Segunda División (1st with 68 pts, 21 wins, 5 draws, 10 losses, recent form WWLWL), relies on transfer income to strengthen its squad and preserve a 7‑point lead over Almería. The missing sell‑on fee represents a significant financial shortfall that the club cannot absorb without jeopardising its promotion ambitions.
What comes next after the complaint?
La Liga's disciplinary committee will review Racing's complaint and decide whether Barcelona engaged in "bad faith". Meanwhile, Racing remains focused on its campaign, having scored 75 goals and conceded 55 (+20 goal difference) and preparing its next away fixture against Alavés (21‑Feb‑2027). The case outcome could set a precedent for handling sell‑on clauses in Spanish football.
Current club context
Racing Santander tops the Segunda División table with 68 points and a 7‑point gap over Almería. Their attack has netted 75 goals while conceding 55, maintaining a +20 goal difference. The next match is away at Alavés on 21‑Feb‑2027.
