Ilaix Moriba holds key to André Almeida’s Celta move amid midfield exits | OneFootball

Celta’s pursuit of André Almeida hinges on clearing midfield space, with Ilaix Moriba viewed as the potential trigger for any deal.

According to Superdeporte, talks with the Portuguese are positive and his wages would fit, but the Vigo club must open a slot before submitting a firm offer.

Valencia had advanced an agreement with Swansea worth about three and a half million euros plus add-ons, yet Almeida paused that option after learning Claudio Giráldez wants him to bolster a Europa League squad for 2026/27.

The 26-year-old prioritises staying in LaLiga with a competitive team around 125 kilometres from his hometown, Guimarães. Giráldez values his versatility in the double pivot, as an attacking midfielder, as an interior and from the left.

Valencia are unwilling to go below the Swansea benchmark, while Celta aim for a fee near three million. Outgoings are therefore essential.

Moriba, a Guinea international, is seen as the leading sale candidate with Premier League links, though no offer has reached the 20 million valuation set months ago. He missed the Italy camp for disciplinary reasons after arriving late to training, and director of football Marco Garcés backed Giráldez, without it implying a definitive break.

If Moriba does not depart, Matías Vecino, who has one year left, is another option to free a slot, while Carles Pérez could also move. Celta want a winger first after defender Carlos Domínguez left, with Boca Juniors’ Exequiel Zeballos the frontrunner subject to thorough medical checks before spending more than seven million euros. A busy fortnight is expected, and the Almeida pursuit may go to the final week as the dominoes fall, with a new centre-back sought to replace Manu Fernández.

Source: Superdeporte

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