Racing Santander take dispute over Pablo Torre sale with Barcelona to La Liga

Racing de Santander has initiated a formal dispute with FC Barcelona and taken the case to La Liga over the transfer of midfielder Pablo Torre to Mallorca. The Cantabrian club alleges the transfer was structured to avoid paying a sell-on fee that Racing was entitled to from any future profit on the player.

The controversy stems from Barcelona's sale of Torre to Mallorca on July 14 for a reported fee of 4.95 million euros. This figure is almost identical to the 5 million euros (plus variables) Barcelona paid Racing for the player in 2022. Because the sale price matched the original purchase price, Barcelona recorded no capital gain, meaning Racing did not receive a percentage of the profit as stipulated in their sell-on clause.

Racing president Manolo Higuera publicly accused Barcelona of acting in "bad faith," claiming the operation was designed "to harm a third party." He confirmed the club is pursuing its "economic right" through La Liga but stated the aim is not to provoke a feud with Barcelona, only to claim what is owed.

Racing's argument is supported by a reported buyback clause in Torre's Barcelona contract, which would allow the Catalan club to re-sign him for approximately 10 million euros. Racing contends this figure reflects Torre's true market value and should be the reference point for calculating profit, which would then trigger their sell-on payment. Barcelona sources have dismissed this reasoning, insisting only the actual sale price to Mallorca is relevant.

Torre's stint at Barcelona saw him make 27 appearances, triggering a one-million-euro variable payment to Racing after he reached 10 official appearances of at least 45 minutes. He has since joined Mallorca, where he has featured in 17 matches this season.