1 hr. ago
Manchester United are poised to offload two goalkeepers, with Radek Vitek set to join Middlesbrough in a deal potentially worth up to £14 million, while Altay Bayindir prepares for a loan move to Celta Vigo.
Vitek, a 22-year-old Czech shot-stopper, is nearing a permanent switch to last season's Championship play-off finalists Middlesbrough following an impressive loan spell at Bristol City.
The young keeper initially arrived at Old Trafford from Sigma Olomouc in 2020, having also spent time on loan at Accrington and Blau-Weiss Linz before his successful stint at Ashton Gate.
The Press ******* ociation understands that United have secured matching rights and a buy-back option as part of the agreement with Boro, which includes bonuses that could push the fee to £14m, alongside a sell-on clause of up to 35 per cent.
Meanwhile, Turkey international Bayindir, 28, is close to finalising a season-long loan to La Liga side Celta Vigo.
#celta #manchester #radek
Vitek, a 22-year-old Czech shot-stopper, is nearing a permanent switch to last season's Championship play-off finalists Middlesbrough following an impressive loan spell at Bristol City.
The young keeper initially arrived at Old Trafford from Sigma Olomouc in 2020, having also spent time on loan at Accrington and Blau-Weiss Linz before his successful stint at Ashton Gate.
The Press ******* ociation understands that United have secured matching rights and a buy-back option as part of the agreement with Boro, which includes bonuses that could push the fee to £14m, alongside a sell-on clause of up to 35 per cent.
Meanwhile, Turkey international Bayindir, 28, is close to finalising a season-long loan to La Liga side Celta Vigo.
#celta #manchester #radek
5 days ago
Abdoulaye Faye will join Celta Vigo on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with his medical scheduled for either Sunday or Monday, according to Sky Sports. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lorient.
The left-footed center-back was signed by Die Werkself from Lorient last summer. Before making his competitive debut for the Bundesliga club, he'll now leave for the second time, with the current deal also giving him experience in continental football.
Celta Vigo could face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League next season as they finished sixth in the 2025/26 LaLiga season. Faye trained with Leverkusen's first team and also featured in their friendly games. The loan deal will not have a buy option for the Spanish club.
#season #last #club
The left-footed center-back was signed by Die Werkself from Lorient last summer. Before making his competitive debut for the Bundesliga club, he'll now leave for the second time, with the current deal also giving him experience in continental football.
Celta Vigo could face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League next season as they finished sixth in the 2025/26 LaLiga season. Faye trained with Leverkusen's first team and also featured in their friendly games. The loan deal will not have a buy option for the Spanish club.
#season #last #club
12 days ago
Bayern Munich employed Nestory Irankunda, who is a highly gifted player blessed with explosive pace and clinical finishing. He has since moved on to Watford at the start of last year and his stock has risen considerably following his displays at the recently concluded 2026 World Cup. Naturally, clubs started taking notes and submitting bids, but Watford so far has ruled out any incoming offers (even Bayern doesn't have first dibs anymore):
Watford have rejected two bids of around £10m (€11.7) from Sporting CP and Celta Vigo for Nestory Irankunda. Both offers are well short of the English club's valuation. Bayern's sell-on clause has been reduced from 50% to 40%. After a renegotiation between the clubs, Watford bought back 10%. In addition, Bayern's buy-back clause has expired.
– Sky Sports' Anthony Joseph as captured by X account iMiaSanMia
Then again, Bayern making a move for Irankunda now is probably unlikely at this point due to the club needing to move on other players first before signing anyone else. If the former Adelaide United winger is eventually sold, Bayern could still get a handsome fee from him.
#nestory #clubs #offers #back
Watford have rejected two bids of around £10m (€11.7) from Sporting CP and Celta Vigo for Nestory Irankunda. Both offers are well short of the English club's valuation. Bayern's sell-on clause has been reduced from 50% to 40%. After a renegotiation between the clubs, Watford bought back 10%. In addition, Bayern's buy-back clause has expired.
– Sky Sports' Anthony Joseph as captured by X account iMiaSanMia
Then again, Bayern making a move for Irankunda now is probably unlikely at this point due to the club needing to move on other players first before signing anyone else. If the former Adelaide United winger is eventually sold, Bayern could still get a handsome fee from him.
#nestory #clubs #offers #back
13 days ago
Watford have rejected two bids of £10m for Australian forward Nestory Irankunda from Portuguese side Sporting and Spanish club Celta Vigo. The Hornets have also bought back 10% of the 20-year-old's sell-on clause from Bayern Munich. (Sky Sports)
For more transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.
#Watford #australian #irankunda #hornets
For more transfer news and rumours, read Thursday's full gossip column here.
#Watford #australian #irankunda #hornets
21 days ago
Stefan Bajcetic has reached an important point in his Liverpool career, with pre-season now set to shape whether he remains part of the club's plans or moves on before the window closes. According to Matteo Moretto for Marca, the 21-year-old has support from the new head coach and a genuine chance to re-establish himself at Anfield.
Bajcetic was long viewed internally as one of Liverpool's standout young midfield prospects after arriving from Celta Vigo in 2020 and breaking into senior football two years later. Since then, injuries have had a major say in his trajectory. Setbacks across multiple seasons, followed by hamstring surgery in April 2025, meant he missed the whole of the 2025/26 campaign and left his development stalled at a crucial age.
Photo IMAGO
That context matters now. Bajcetic is back in training and, with Andoni Iraola beginning his work at Liverpool, there is a clean slate of sorts for several players on the fringes. Moretto reported that "Iraola likes him a lot." He added, "Iraola wants to keep him for now; he wants to see him during pre-season," before outlining the likely split in outcomes. "If he stays, he'll renew his contract with Liverpool. If not, he'll look for another club. He wants to return to Spain."
The contract position sharpens the issue. Bajcetic is entering the final year of his deal, so Liverpool will need clarity sooner rather than later. If the coaching staff are convinced by his fitness and level, an extension would make obvious sense. If doubts remain, the club may have to consider a sale while there is still some value to protect.
Bajcetic was long viewed internally as one of Liverpool's standout young midfield prospects after arriving from Celta Vigo in 2020 and breaking into senior football two years later. Since then, injuries have had a major say in his trajectory. Setbacks across multiple seasons, followed by hamstring surgery in April 2025, meant he missed the whole of the 2025/26 campaign and left his development stalled at a crucial age.
Photo IMAGO
That context matters now. Bajcetic is back in training and, with Andoni Iraola beginning his work at Liverpool, there is a clean slate of sorts for several players on the fringes. Moretto reported that "Iraola likes him a lot." He added, "Iraola wants to keep him for now; he wants to see him during pre-season," before outlining the likely split in outcomes. "If he stays, he'll renew his contract with Liverpool. If not, he'll look for another club. He wants to return to Spain."
The contract position sharpens the issue. Bajcetic is entering the final year of his deal, so Liverpool will need clarity sooner rather than later. If the coaching staff are convinced by his fitness and level, an extension would make obvious sense. If doubts remain, the club may have to consider a sale while there is still some value to protect.
27 days ago
Crystal Palace have signed Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer, subject to international clearance.
The 27-year-old Spaniard joins Palace on a four-year contract and is new head coach Pierre Sage's first summer signing.
Mingueza is a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy and made 66 appearances for the club following his senior debut in 2020.
The versatile defender then joined Celta Vigo in 2022, where he scored seven goals and provided 15 ****** ists in 147 appearances.
Mingueza said "it is an honour" to be joining Palace and added he is "really excited" to be at Selhurst Park.
The 27-year-old Spaniard joins Palace on a four-year contract and is new head coach Pierre Sage's first summer signing.
Mingueza is a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy and made 66 appearances for the club following his senior debut in 2020.
The versatile defender then joined Celta Vigo in 2022, where he scored seven goals and provided 15 ****** ists in 147 appearances.
Mingueza said "it is an honour" to be joining Palace and added he is "really excited" to be at Selhurst Park.
27 days ago
Crystal Palace have moved decisively in the market, reaching an agreement to sign Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer in what looks set to become the first arrival of Pierre Sage's tenure at Selhurst Park. The update was first reported by Fabrizio Romano, with Palace understood to have advanced quickly after fresh talks in the last 48 hours.
For a club whose summer had, outwardly at least, been relatively subdued, this is a notable piece of business. Palace are said to have identified the Spanish defender as a 'secret top target', and the fact the move has been wrapped up without prolonged public noise will be viewed internally as a positive. All terms are now agreed verbally, with the deal regarded as effectively done.
Mingueza joins the market as a free agent after his departure from Celta Vigo, giving Palace a chance to secure a player with top-level experience and tactical flexibility without committing a transfer fee. At 27, he offers a profile that should appeal strongly to Sage, particularly because he can operate at right-back or in central defence.
Photo IMAGO
That versatility could prove important over the coming months. Palace are facing a summer where the defensive unit may yet change further, and bringing in a player capable of covering multiple roles provides some protection against uncertainty. Mingueza has been described as 'phenomenal', and Palace will hope he can bring consistency as well as adaptability.
For a club whose summer had, outwardly at least, been relatively subdued, this is a notable piece of business. Palace are said to have identified the Spanish defender as a 'secret top target', and the fact the move has been wrapped up without prolonged public noise will be viewed internally as a positive. All terms are now agreed verbally, with the deal regarded as effectively done.
Mingueza joins the market as a free agent after his departure from Celta Vigo, giving Palace a chance to secure a player with top-level experience and tactical flexibility without committing a transfer fee. At 27, he offers a profile that should appeal strongly to Sage, particularly because he can operate at right-back or in central defence.
Photo IMAGO
That versatility could prove important over the coming months. Palace are facing a summer where the defensive unit may yet change further, and bringing in a player capable of covering multiple roles provides some protection against uncertainty. Mingueza has been described as 'phenomenal', and Palace will hope he can bring consistency as well as adaptability.
29 days ago
Amadou Onana’s World Cup is over. Worse still, his season is in tatters before it even began. The Belgium midfielder snapped his anterior cruciate ligament during a brutal knockout clash against the United States, leaving Unai Emery with a massive, gaping hole in the center of his pitch. Villa are returning to Europe’s elite tier, and they need a physical anchor right now.
VIGO, SPAIN – MAY 23: Ilaix Moriba of Celta Vigo celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Sergio Carreira during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and Sevilla FC at Estadio Abanca-Balaidos on May 23, 2026 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Naturally, the rumor mill is already spinning. Spanish newspaper Faro de Vigo, via Sport Witness, claims that this sudden injury has forced Villa to look closely at Celta Vigo’s Ilaix Moriba. It makes sense on paper. The 24-year-old former Barcelona prospect matches the physical profile of the sidelined Belgian. Look closer at the actual report, though. There is zero evidence of fresh contact or concrete negotiations. It looks very much like a rehashed version of old transfer market links rather than a deal that is actually moving quickly.
Moriba did manage to rebuild his stalling career in La Liga last year after a terrible time with RB Leipzig. He played 36 league games and scored twice for Celta Vigo during the 2025/26 campaign. The Galician club paid £5.2m to sign him permanently last summer, locking him down until 2029.
He has decent numbers. Yet, he completely lacks the elite defensive presence needed to protect a Premier League backline. 152 defensive contributions across an entire season is a poor return. He disappeared in high-stakes matches. He handles discipline poorly too, picking up eight yellow cards last term.
VIGO, SPAIN – MAY 23: Ilaix Moriba of Celta Vigo celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Sergio Carreira during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and Sevilla FC at Estadio Abanca-Balaidos on May 23, 2026 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)
Naturally, the rumor mill is already spinning. Spanish newspaper Faro de Vigo, via Sport Witness, claims that this sudden injury has forced Villa to look closely at Celta Vigo’s Ilaix Moriba. It makes sense on paper. The 24-year-old former Barcelona prospect matches the physical profile of the sidelined Belgian. Look closer at the actual report, though. There is zero evidence of fresh contact or concrete negotiations. It looks very much like a rehashed version of old transfer market links rather than a deal that is actually moving quickly.
Moriba did manage to rebuild his stalling career in La Liga last year after a terrible time with RB Leipzig. He played 36 league games and scored twice for Celta Vigo during the 2025/26 campaign. The Galician club paid £5.2m to sign him permanently last summer, locking him down until 2029.
He has decent numbers. Yet, he completely lacks the elite defensive presence needed to protect a Premier League backline. 152 defensive contributions across an entire season is a poor return. He disappeared in high-stakes matches. He handles discipline poorly too, picking up eight yellow cards last term.
30 days ago
Lazio left-back Luca Pellegrini could end up in the Premier League, with Hull City and Ipswich Town among his suitors.
The 27-year-old is a childhood Lazio supporter who realized his dream by joining his beloved club in January 2023. This season, he finally had a run in the starting lineup, with Maurizio Sarri dropping Nuno Tavares to the bench. However, the Portuguese ended up recovering his place in the starting XI towards the end of the season, so Pellegrini found himself on the bench again.
With only one year left on his contract, the Roman is expected to be sold this summer, especially following the arrival of Alfonso Pedraza, who completed a free transfer from Villarreal.
According to La Repubblica (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Pellegrini has several admirers on the market, especially outside Italy. The newspaper reveals interest from the newly promoted Premier League duo of Hull City and Ipswich Town. In Spain, the left-back is well-liked by Espanyol and Celta Vigo.
Pellegrini was previously linked with Serie A sides, but Como had already signed a new left-back in Kaiki, while others would struggle to match his salary (circa €1.5 million per year). The Italian full-back made 90 appearances for Lazio in total, producing seven **** ists and only two goals, but he arguably scored the club’s best goal of the previous campaign
The 27-year-old is a childhood Lazio supporter who realized his dream by joining his beloved club in January 2023. This season, he finally had a run in the starting lineup, with Maurizio Sarri dropping Nuno Tavares to the bench. However, the Portuguese ended up recovering his place in the starting XI towards the end of the season, so Pellegrini found himself on the bench again.
With only one year left on his contract, the Roman is expected to be sold this summer, especially following the arrival of Alfonso Pedraza, who completed a free transfer from Villarreal.
According to La Repubblica (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Pellegrini has several admirers on the market, especially outside Italy. The newspaper reveals interest from the newly promoted Premier League duo of Hull City and Ipswich Town. In Spain, the left-back is well-liked by Espanyol and Celta Vigo.
Pellegrini was previously linked with Serie A sides, but Como had already signed a new left-back in Kaiki, while others would struggle to match his salary (circa €1.5 million per year). The Italian full-back made 90 appearances for Lazio in total, producing seven **** ists and only two goals, but he arguably scored the club’s best goal of the previous campaign
1 month ago
Tottenham target West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, Juventus consider Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, Everton look at Pape Gueye and Mandela Keita to replace Idrissa Gueye.
Tottenham will try to sign West Ham's Netherlands attacker Crysencio Summerville, 24, having already picked up Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, from the relegated Hammers. (GiveMeSport)
Sunderland and Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, 24, is being considered by Juventus as an alternative to their first-choice target, 27-year-old Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani from Paris St-Germain. (TuttoMercatoWeb - in Italian)
Everton will look to add Villarreal and Senegal international Pape Gueye, 27, or Parma's Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita, 24, if their Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye, 36, doesn't sign a contract extension. (Teamtalk)
Aston Villa are interested in Celta Vigo and Guinea midfielder Ilaix Moriba, 23, and are preparing a £15m bid. (Football Insider)
Tottenham will try to sign West Ham's Netherlands attacker Crysencio Summerville, 24, having already picked up Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, from the relegated Hammers. (GiveMeSport)
Sunderland and Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, 24, is being considered by Juventus as an alternative to their first-choice target, 27-year-old Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani from Paris St-Germain. (TuttoMercatoWeb - in Italian)
Everton will look to add Villarreal and Senegal international Pape Gueye, 27, or Parma's Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita, 24, if their Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye, 36, doesn't sign a contract extension. (Teamtalk)
Aston Villa are interested in Celta Vigo and Guinea midfielder Ilaix Moriba, 23, and are preparing a £15m bid. (Football Insider)
1 month ago
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 16: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid goes down with an injury during the Copa Del Rey match between Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the World Cup with my family. It has rekindled a genuine passion for the game and deepened my appreciation for the skill, strategy, and athleticism that define elite soccer. Yet one persistent element continues to undermine the spectacle: the epidemic of fake injuries.
I simply cannot get past it.
Nor, it seems, can many others. A 2014 survey of soccer fans found that 83 percent cited feigning injuries as a major annoyance—the top complaint in the study.
As a practicing neurosurgeon who specializes in complex spine surgery, I see the brutal realities of genuine trauma every day—patients with spines shattered in car wrecks, falls from height, and legitimate spine sports injuries. These high-energy injuries often cause lifelong consequences that demand months or years of recovery.
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the World Cup with my family. It has rekindled a genuine passion for the game and deepened my appreciation for the skill, strategy, and athleticism that define elite soccer. Yet one persistent element continues to undermine the spectacle: the epidemic of fake injuries.
I simply cannot get past it.
Nor, it seems, can many others. A 2014 survey of soccer fans found that 83 percent cited feigning injuries as a major annoyance—the top complaint in the study.
As a practicing neurosurgeon who specializes in complex spine surgery, I see the brutal realities of genuine trauma every day—patients with spines shattered in car wrecks, falls from height, and legitimate spine sports injuries. These high-energy injuries often cause lifelong consequences that demand months or years of recovery.
2 months ago
Brazil winger Raphinha is the latest star to be hit with an injury concern at the 2026 World Cup, with the 29-year-old forced off in the first half of his side's game against Haiti.
Brazilhad made a quick start in Philadelphia and Raphinha was at the heart of things, with a goal chalked off for offside and another effort trickling narrowly wide of the far post.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring with a fortunate deflection and the Manchester United winger added another with a superb finish in the 36th minute, though as the first half drew to a close, Raphinha went to ground before being taken off, and was replaced by Bournemouth winger Rayan.
The extent of the injury is not yet known, and while the winger was able to walk off the pitch, he could face a similar lay-off to that experienced by Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, who sat out the last month of the season after picking up a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo.
Speaking on ITV's coverage of the match, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes said that being without Raphinha "is a significant loss".
Brazilhad made a quick start in Philadelphia and Raphinha was at the heart of things, with a goal chalked off for offside and another effort trickling narrowly wide of the far post.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring with a fortunate deflection and the Manchester United winger added another with a superb finish in the 36th minute, though as the first half drew to a close, Raphinha went to ground before being taken off, and was replaced by Bournemouth winger Rayan.
The extent of the injury is not yet known, and while the winger was able to walk off the pitch, he could face a similar lay-off to that experienced by Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, who sat out the last month of the season after picking up a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo.
Speaking on ITV's coverage of the match, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes said that being without Raphinha "is a significant loss".
2 months ago
Oscar Mingueza has become one of the most sought-after players in La Liga as he prepares to leave Celta Vigo as a free agent this summer. The defender’s versatility and consistency have attracted significant attention, with several clubs monitoring his situation ahead of a potential move.
Comfortable operating at right back as well as in central defence, Mingueza has delivered reliable performances in the Spanish top flight over the last few seasons. His ability to perform in multiple defensive roles has made him an appealing option for clubs looking to strengthen their squads without paying a transfer fee.
According to AS, **** nal are among the teams considering a move for the defender as they **** s their options during the current transfer window.
At 27, Mingueza is widely regarded as being in the prime years of his career and could provide valuable depth to **** nal’s defensive unit. His experience and versatility would offer Mikel Arteta additional options across the back line throughout a demanding campaign.
The Gunners already possess one of the strongest defensive records in football and have established themselves as one of the most difficult teams to score against. However, maintaining that standard requires continuous improvement and careful squad planning.
Comfortable operating at right back as well as in central defence, Mingueza has delivered reliable performances in the Spanish top flight over the last few seasons. His ability to perform in multiple defensive roles has made him an appealing option for clubs looking to strengthen their squads without paying a transfer fee.
According to AS, **** nal are among the teams considering a move for the defender as they **** s their options during the current transfer window.
At 27, Mingueza is widely regarded as being in the prime years of his career and could provide valuable depth to **** nal’s defensive unit. His experience and versatility would offer Mikel Arteta additional options across the back line throughout a demanding campaign.
The Gunners already possess one of the strongest defensive records in football and have established themselves as one of the most difficult teams to score against. However, maintaining that standard requires continuous improvement and careful squad planning.
2 months ago
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has delivered a positive update on Lamine Yamal’s fitness, revealing that the Barcelona star is on course to be available for their opening World Cup match against Cape Verde next week.
Yamal has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during Barcelona’s La Liga victory over Celta Vigo in April, with initial fears suggesting he could miss Spain’s first group-stage fixture.
The 18-year-old remained at Spain’s training base in Chattanooga alongside Nico Williams and Victor Munoz rather than travelling with the squad for their final World Cup warm-up match against Peru.
All three players are continuing their recovery programmes ahead of Spain’s tournament opener on June 15.
Speaking ahead of the friendly against Peru, De la Fuente expressed confidence that the trio would be ready to play if their rehabilitation continues as planned.
Yamal has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during Barcelona’s La Liga victory over Celta Vigo in April, with initial fears suggesting he could miss Spain’s first group-stage fixture.
The 18-year-old remained at Spain’s training base in Chattanooga alongside Nico Williams and Victor Munoz rather than travelling with the squad for their final World Cup warm-up match against Peru.
All three players are continuing their recovery programmes ahead of Spain’s tournament opener on June 15.
Speaking ahead of the friendly against Peru, De la Fuente expressed confidence that the trio would be ready to play if their rehabilitation continues as planned.
3 months ago
How will Atlético Madrid line up against Celta Vigo in LaLiga?
After a heartbreaking end to this season’s Champions League campaign, Atlético Madrid (19-6-9, 63 points) have to regroup and shift their focus to the remaining four matches in LaLiga. The push to finish third begins when Atlético host Celta Vigo (12-11-11, 47 points) on Saturday evening.
The focus since February for Diego Simeone’s men had been to stay within the Champions League places in LaLiga, a goal that has been achieved as Atlético on Thursday secured a place in next season’s edition of the competition. However, Atleti came up short in both cups, and so the Rojiblancos now have four games to overtake third-place Villarreal, who have a five-point advantage entering round 35.
With Bayern Munich losing to PSG in the Champions League, and Rayo Vallecano defeating Strasbourg to reach the Conference League final, Spain has received a fifth Champions League spot for next season — and Celta can push Real Betis to the end for fifth place, which now carries with it an immense reward.
As things stand, Celta will qualify to the Europa League’s league phase. However, being just six points off Real Betis in fifth, Claudio Giráldez’s squad are going to be aiming for more. Either way, the Celtiña look to be in a good spot to improve from their seventh place finish last season and look primed to participate in a European competition next season after reaching the Europa league quarterfinals this year.
Celta’s players to watch include Borja Iglesias, the Spain international with 13 goals this season. Newcomers Ilaix Moriba and Ferran Jutglà, from RB Leipzig and Club Brugge respectively, have also impressed in their debut seasons at the club.
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After a heartbreaking end to this season’s Champions League campaign, Atlético Madrid (19-6-9, 63 points) have to regroup and shift their focus to the remaining four matches in LaLiga. The push to finish third begins when Atlético host Celta Vigo (12-11-11, 47 points) on Saturday evening.
The focus since February for Diego Simeone’s men had been to stay within the Champions League places in LaLiga, a goal that has been achieved as Atlético on Thursday secured a place in next season’s edition of the competition. However, Atleti came up short in both cups, and so the Rojiblancos now have four games to overtake third-place Villarreal, who have a five-point advantage entering round 35.
With Bayern Munich losing to PSG in the Champions League, and Rayo Vallecano defeating Strasbourg to reach the Conference League final, Spain has received a fifth Champions League spot for next season — and Celta can push Real Betis to the end for fifth place, which now carries with it an immense reward.
As things stand, Celta will qualify to the Europa League’s league phase. However, being just six points off Real Betis in fifth, Claudio Giráldez’s squad are going to be aiming for more. Either way, the Celtiña look to be in a good spot to improve from their seventh place finish last season and look primed to participate in a European competition next season after reaching the Europa league quarterfinals this year.
Celta’s players to watch include Borja Iglesias, the Spain international with 13 goals this season. Newcomers Ilaix Moriba and Ferran Jutglà, from RB Leipzig and Club Brugge respectively, have also impressed in their debut seasons at the club.
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