Francisco Varela

Betis

Born in Atarfe, Granada, Andalusia, Varela graduated from Real Betis' youth setup, after starting it out at neighbouring Granada CF. He made his senior debuts with the reserves in the 2011–12 campaign, in Segunda División B. On 4 May 2013 Varela was called up to the main squad for a La Liga match against FC Barcelona, but was an unused substitute in the eventual 2–4 away loss a day later. He played his first match as a professional on 27 February 2014, replacing Rubén Castro in the 81st minute of a 2–0 away win against FC Rubin Kazan in that season's UEFA Europa League. Varela renewed his contract with the Verdiblancos on 24 July 2014, running until 2016. He made his league debut on 23 November, starting in a 1–2 home loss against Deportivo Alavés in the Segunda División championship. On 5 May 2015, Varela renewed his contract for a further season, and subsequently achieved promotion to La Liga after appearing in 22 matches. He made his debut in the category on 27 September, starting in a 2–1 away win against Sporting de Gijón.

Oviedo and Majadahonda

On 14 July 2016, Varela signed a two-year contract with Real Oviedo in the second level, after being deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Gus Poyet. He scored his only goal for the Asturians on 11 December with a late direct free kick nine minutes after replacing Néstor Susaeta in a 2–1 loss at Real Zaragoza, but later lost his starting place under manager Fernando Hierro and ended his season in…