The transfer market began on July 1 in Spain, but for Celta it had already been in motion for some time.
On 23 March, Carlos Mouriño said the following about Gabri Veiga, one of the most valuable players in the squad: “Under no circumstances do we want to sell him, but I can also tell you that they are going to buy him from us and there is nothing we can do about it”. In a sweet moment for the player and for the club, the president put the “for sale” sign on him.
The skyblue board were too busy rubbing their hands together at the thought of the money the youngster was going to bring into the coffers and forgot to start planning the signing of a guaranteed replacement. So, with the market closed, Benítez doesn’t have the midfielder he so desperately needed, despite being arguably the most necessary addition.
Twenty-four players moved around Celta:
It is true that the club had plenty of needs this season and the vast majority of them have been met, but perhaps they aren’t convincing enough. In goal, Vicente Guaita arrived as a free agent and although he is a good goalkeeper, he is 36 years old (37 in January) and doesn’t offer a great leap in quality. At the back, Celta reinforced with Carl Starfelt, who is giving a great performance, Manu Sánchez, who seemed to be behind Cervi until the Argentine’s injury, and Mihailo Ristic.
The midfield is the weakest area of the squad, with Tapia in a complicated situation, Fran Beltrán, Luca de la Torre, the very young Swedberg and Sotelo, as well as the only addition to the squad: Carlos Dotor, with no experience in the First Division.
Finally, the attack is the most complete area. On the left flank are Bamba, a bargain signing at zero cost, and Cervi, who looks set to return to the wing; on the right flank are Carles Pérez, who arrived this summer on loan, and the young Miguel Rodríguez. Aspas, Larsen and new arrival Douvikas, top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie last season, complete the front line.
In terms of departures, Celta’s board raised 56.20 million euros, according to Transfermarket, by transferring Gabri Veiga (40 million euros); Orbelín Pineda (6.50 million euros); Javi Galán (5 million euros), Gabriel Fernández (3.20 million euros) and Rubén Blanco (1.50 million euros). In addition to the aforementioned, twelve other players left the club through the end of their contracts or on loan.
The economic balance is positive: 56.20 million came into the coffers and 25.20 million went out. However, being the centenary year and taking into account the support of the public, the occasion deserved a higher outlay, as well as completing the squad with a good signing for the midfield.
Translated by Marcos Rodríguez.
Main image: @RCCelta.
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