New Monterrey signing Sergio Canales’ figures at a glance
The Spanish attacking midfielder has never played outside of Spain. After making his LaLiga debut with Racing Santander and a spell at Real Madrid, he was a key figure at Real Sociedad and Betis.
Monterrey announced the bombshell signing of the Clausura 2023 after agreeing terms with Sergio Canales, who joins the Liga MX from Spanish side Betis. The 32-year-old has built up extensive experience in LaLiga and was part of the Spain squad that recently won the UEFA Nations League.
Canales has played for several LaLiga clubs, making nearly 400 top flight appearances. He came through the youth system at his hometown club Racing and made his first team debut against FC Honka in the UEFA Cup on 18 September 2008, then made his LaLiga debut a couple of weeks later against Osasuna.
He joined Real Madrid on a six-year deal in 2010 but was sent out on loan to Valencia after just one season at the Bernabéu. He showed tremendous courage and resilience in dealing with three major knee ligament injuries during his time at Mestalla and his next club, Real Sociedad.
He leaves Spain after having scored a total of 64 goals across all competitions in 479 games. His spell at Betis was the most prolific of his career - 39 goals, 30 assists since 2018 for the Andalucians, with whom he lifted the Copa del Rey last year.
Sergio Canales' statistics in LaLiga
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
| Betis | 206 | 39 |
| Real Sociedad | 161 | 13 |
| Valencia | 58 | 5 |
| Real Madrid | 15 | 0 |
| Racing Santander | 39 | 7 |
| Total | 479 | 64 |
Canales’s transfer fee
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Monterrey will have agreed a fee of close to 10 million euros plus bonuses for Canales, although some media claim the transfer fee was nearer 7 million. According to Transfermarkt, the 32-year-old was under contract until 2026 and valued at 15 million euros. His arrival makes Monterrey the second most expensive squad in Mexican soccer.