Joaquín Martínez Gauna, known widely in Spanish football as Oso, has completed a permanent transfer from Sevilla FC to RC Strasbourg Alsace for a reported fee of 10 million euros, plus a 10-percent future sale clause. The deal marks Sevilla’s fourth major departure of the current transfer window, following the exits of Akor Adams, Juanlu Sánchez, and Djibril Sow from the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
Sevilla Confirms Permanent Transfer of Academy Product Oso
Official club announcements from both institutions confirmed the agreement on Sunday. The 10 million euro fee adds a significant boost to Sevilla’s financial structure early in the season, while also liberating more than two million euros in salary cap space. In addition to the fixed transfer fee, Sevilla secured a 10-percent sell-on percentage for any future transfer involving the Spanish defender.
Oso’s departure arrives during a challenging athletic period for the Nervión club. The homegrown fullback leaves after establishing himself within the senior squad under successive managers, making 27 official appearances and scoring one goal for the first team since breaking through from the club’s reserve setup, Sevilla Atlético.
Strasbourg Moves Quickly Following Direct Negotiations
The French club, which reached the UEFA Conference League semifinals last season, finalized the transaction following direct discussions between Strasbourg’s ownership network and the Spanish side. RC Strasbourg Alsace operates under a direct business and sporting link with Premier League club Chelsea, facilitating high-profile recruitment pipelines across European leagues.
For Oso, the transfer represents a rapid ascent to European football after spending less than a single full season as an established regular in the top tier. The Torrevieja-born player originally arrived at Sevilla’s academy ahead of the 2022–23 campaign, eventually logging 65 matches for Sevilla Atlético before earning his senior competitive debut in December 2023 during a Copa del Rey fixture against Atlético Astorga.
Manager Luis García Plaza Laments Painful Timing of Departure
Sevilla head coach Luis García Plaza admitted that losing a starting-caliber defender at this stage of the season presents a difficult tactical hurdle. Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of a fixture against Atlético Madrid, the manager did not hide his frustration regarding the timing of the board’s decision.
“La salida de Oso es un palo y tenemos que digerirlo,” Luis García Plaza acknowledged to reporters on Friday, describing the exit as a severe blow that the team must quickly absorb.
The manager’s concerns are rooted in Oso’s immediate impact at the start of the current 2026–27 La Liga campaign. The young defender started both of Sevilla’s opening league fixtures, playing a decisive role in victories against Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club. Over those two matches, he contributed one goal and one assist, notably scoring the opening strike and setting up teammate Isaac Romero during a 2–1 win at San Mamés.
Replacing a Rising Talent in the Sevilla Roster
Oso concludes his Sevilla career having registered three total goals and four assists across 27 senior appearances. His gradual development through Matías Almeyda’s tactical system last season—where he appeared in 21 games, scored twice, and provided three assists—laid the groundwork for his breakout role under Luis García Plaza at the start of the autumn.
With the transfer window active, Sevilla sporting directors face immediate pressure to scour the market for defensive cover. The club must find a profile capable of replacing a homegrown player who had evolved from a lower-tier reserve prospect into an indispensable tactical option for the senior squad.
Oso will now join up with his new teammates in eastern France as RC Strasbourg Alsace prepares for its upcoming domestic and continental fixtures. Sevilla returns to La Liga action next weekend as the club looks to recalibrate its squad following a turbulent summer of roster turnover.
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