Matt Smith is a football writer covering the Premier League and exclusive news for GIVEMESPORT. Matt joined the company in March 2023 and is an avid Everton supporter who regularly attends games in his spare time
He has previously worked for CaughtOffside where he covered world football including transfers, match reports, previews, and more.
He also creates tactical analysis social media content and regularly appears on podcasts. After spending a few years coaching, playing, and analysing football, Matt moved over to the writing side of the game a few years ago.
Matt also works in commentary and match reporting, providing detailed analysis on some of the biggest games in England and Europe, with his reports regularly published on the Premier League website.
He has amassed over 28,000 followers on X by giving his insight on football, predominantly focusing on the tactical side of the game.
West Ham United are reportedly prepared to pay the £26m release clause to sign Real Betis star Pablo Garcia, according to Fichajes.
The Hammers are in the market for reinforcements in the January transfer window after such a disappointing start to the 2025/2026 season. Their recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur, a phenomenal 2-1 win away from home, has certainly boosted their chances of survival, but the board will likely want to give Nuno Espirito Santo as many tools as possible to try to survive.
Valentin Castellanos and Pablo are the first two players to arrive through the door at West Ham, but it appears that the capital club are pushing for further additions in the current window. West Ham could do with reinforcements defensively, but it appears that further signings in the final third could be a priority.
West Ham Eyeing Another Forward Signing
According to a report from Fichajes, West Ham are prepared to trigger the £26m release clause of Real Betis youngster Garcia, as they don’t want to enter lengthy negotiations for his signature. The 19-year-old is seen as someone who can provide an attacking spark that they need as they aim to steer themselves away from the relegation zone.
Bournemouth are also believed to be in the race for his signature as they look to find a replacement for Antoine Semenyo. It’s unclear whether Garcia, who has been described as ‘completely insane’ by Rising Stars, would prioritise a move to either Bournemouth or West Ham, or whether he’s interested in leaving Real Betis at all.
Perhaps due to his age, Garcia is yet to become a guaranteed starter for Betis, playing just 317 minutes in La Liga this season, starting two games for the Spanish club.
West Ham Need Guaranteed Hits in the Market
West Ham are in a precarious position in the Premier League table, meaning they desperately need any new additions to hit the ground running instantly. The signings of Castellanos and Pablo are clearly eyed to make an immediate impact, but that’s where someone like Garcia would differ.
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The Betis winger is struggling to make an impact at the moment in Spain, which is perfectly reasonable for a 19-year-old forward. However, West Ham need players who are going to help drag them over the line, and although Garcia might have a bright future, funds may be better spent elsewhere in the January transfer window.
