Barcelona academy defender set to join Celta Vigo in a permanent transfer | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to complete the permanent transfer of academy defender Alexis Olmedo to Celta Vigo, with an agreement between the two clubs expected to be finalized in the coming hours.

The move was first reported by Celta-focused podcast “Tenias que Haber Tirado” and has now been been confirmed by SPORT.

The versatile defender is scheduled to travel to Vigo next week, where he is expected to begin with Celta Fortuna, the club’s reserve team, which recently earned promotion to La Liga 2.

However, he will also be closely monitored by first-team head coach Claudio Giraldez, who could offer him senior opportunities if his development continues.

Olmedo’s departure follows the recent exit of Joan Anaya to UE Sant Andreu and represents another significant change for Barça Atletic.

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A long-term target for Celta

Celta Vigo have tracked Olmedo for some time, viewing the La Masia graduate as an ideal fit for the club’s philosophy.

Although naturally a right-sided centre-back, the 20-year-old is also comfortable playing on the left side of central defence or at right-back, making him an attractive option for both Giraldez and Fortuna coach Fredi Alvarez.

La Masia through and through

Olmedo has spent his entire footballing education at Barcelona after joining the club as a youngster.

His technical ability and composure in possession make him well suited to Celta’s emphasis on building attacks from the back.

Those qualities, developed through La Masia, were key factors in convincing the Galician club to pursue the transfer.

The defender’s development was slowed last season after suffering a meniscus injury that kept him sidelined for several months.

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Despite that setback, he began and finished the campaign as a regular starter under Juliano Belletti, who consistently deployed him at centre-back and even handed him the captain’s armband on some occasions.

Olmedo also spent time training with Barcelona’s senior squad under Hansi Flick during the German coach’s first season in 2024/25. He was included in the matchday squad for the 3-0 victory over Osasuna, although he did not make his official first-team debut.

A new opportunity in Vigo

The move to Celta Vigo offers Olmedo the chance to continue his development in a more competitive environment.

While he is expected to begin with Celta Fortuna, the reserve side competes two divisions above Barça Atletic, providing a stronger platform for his progression.

Given Celta’s track record of promoting academy talent, the defender will hope to establish himself quickly and eventually earn an opportunity in La Liga.