Confirmed: Barcelona academy defender secures permanent move to Celta Vigo | OneFootball

Barcelona have officially announced the permanent transfer of Alexis Olmedo to Celta Vigo, bringing an end to the defender’s 13-year journey at the club.

In a statement confirming the deal, Barça revealed that they have retained a percentage of any future transfer fee, ensuring they could still benefit if the 20-year-old is sold later in his career.

“FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with RC Celta for the transfer of the center-back from Manresa. The club retains a percentage of any future sale,” the club statement read.

A La Masia graduate

Olmedo joined Barcelona’s academy in 2014, arriving as a seven-year-old to play for the club’s Prebenjamin team.

Over the next decade, he progressed through every level of La Masia before establishing himself with Barça Atletic, where he developed into one of the reserve side’s regular centre-backs.

Since making his debut during the 2023/24 season, the right-footed defender made 51 appearances for the club’s reserve team across three campaigns.

Olmedo also spent time training with Barcelona’s senior squad under Hansi Flick during the German’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.

Emotional farewell

Before completing his move to Celta, Olmedo shared an emotional farewell message thanking the club where he spent most of his childhood.

“There are dreams that, when you live them, change you forever. Mine began when I was just seven years old, when I joined Barça with the excitement of a child.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alexis🤩 (@alexisolmedo.3)

“Today, 13 years later, the time has come to say goodbye to the club that has been my home my entire life.”

His message expressed gratitude to everyone who had supported his development throughout his time at Barcelona.

Olmedo will now continue his career with Celta Fortuna, Celta Vigo’s reserve side, which competes in Spain’s Primera Federacion.

The move offers the young defender the opportunity for a fresh start while Barcelona maintain an interest in his long-term future through the sell-on clause included in the agreement.