Crystal Palace reach verbal agreement to sign former Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have reached a verbal agreement to sign former Barcelona defender Oscar Minguenza, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Minguenza is set to join Palace on a free transfer after leaving Celta Vigo following the expiration of his contract last month.

Celta had offered the Spain international a new contract, but the 27-year-old opted to leave the Spanish club instead.

Aston Villa have also been linked with Minguenza, with manager Unai Emery reportedly an admirer of the versatile defender.

Palace had made Minguenza a ‘secret’ target, with the club aiming to strengthen their defence to cope with the demands of competing in both domestic and European competitions next season.

Minguenza came through Barcelona’s youth ranks before breaking into their first team in 2020. He made 66 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish giants before leaving for Celta.

He enjoyed a brilliant four-year spell with the Sky Blues. He was considered one of the best defenders in La Liga in 2024/25 and was named in last season’s UEFA Europa League Team of the Season.

Minguenza featured in 147 matches for Celta, chipping in with seven goals and 15 assists.

The Barcelona academy graduate can play anywhere across the defence. He can also operate as a wing-back, in central midfield or on the right wing.

It remains unclear whether Minguenza’s arrival would influence Maxence Lacroix’s future at Palace, with Chelsea considering a move for the French centre-back.

Palace, now under the guidance of manager Pierre Sage, are looking to build on last season’s success, which saw them win the UEFA Conference League.

Stats from transfermarkt.com