He started his career with Real Betis, joining the first team in 2009 and going on to make 72 official appearances, 51 in La Liga, over three seasons, and spent 2013–14 in the Premier League with Swansea City.

[5] In April 2013, before the season in Spain was over, Cañas refused to renew his expiring contract with Betis, choosing instead to join Swansea City on a three-year deal.

[6][7] He made his debut on 1 August, coming on as a late substitute in a 4–0 home victory over Malmö in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

[14] Cañas was part of the squad that won the Greek Cup three times in a row, totaling 16 matches and two goals in these achievements.

[19] When his new team qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, he was among the players who celebrated riding around Belgrade in an armored vehicle.