Summer Transfer Business
To say the window has been underwhelming is an understatement. Celta Vigo have felt like a team on the verge for some time. Were it not for the talismanic Iago Aspas, they would surely have been sentenced to the Segunda. Reinforcing the Spaniard seemed the logical plan but only three players have arrived for a combined €2.5 million.
Miguel Baeza, an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal has signed from Real Madrid’s Castilla side. The Spaniard scored nine league goals last season from midfield. Feyenoord’s Renato Tapia and Granada’s Alvaro Vadillo moved to the Northern club on free transfers. Oscar Garcia will hope significant spending occurs in the remaining weeks of the window, but he should not hold his breath.
Regarding outgoings, the most notable is Pione Sisto’s return to FC Midtjylland. It became clear the Danish winger was keen to return when he broke quarantine and drove 3,000 miles home with his sister. Juan Hernandez was sent on loan to CE Sabadell and Robert Mazan released.
Vigo’s safety was hugely aided by the loan signings made in both windows and this again may be the only hope for a great escape this season.
Manager
The view of Oscar Garcia is simple. The man kept Vigo in La Liga with a mediocre squad against significant odds to do so. Is he the man to take Celta back to being a solidified top-half team? Probably not. However, Celta are not in the position to dream of that with their current crop of players. Until a time arrives where Celta can invest, Garcia is the man to keep them afloat. It will always be a risk but one that must pay off. There are very uncertain times ahead.
Players to Watch
Iago Aspas will grab the headlines, but two players intrigue. The outcome of Nolito’s return to Celta in addition to the form of Denis Suarez could determine the club’s short-term future. With limited quality, the combination of the attacking talent will be the club’s deadliest weapon. The back line will likely faulter and it will be a case of offence being the best defence for Vigo.
One for the future
Miguel Baeza has been thrown straight into preseason with the senior side and has looked dangerous at times. At just 20, the Celta project is a risky one. If relegated, Baeza could quickly find himself on the Spanish merry-go-round of player transfers.
The hope is the regular playing time at senior level will allow Baeza to flourish. These moments can make or break early careers and define futures. His technical and goalscoring ability need to be quickly transitioned to the senior level.
Predicted Finish – 18th
Having looked extensively into the transfers, the squad, management, and possible incomings it is concerning for Celta. The clubs who rise from the Segunda appear better prepared every season. La Liga is an unforgiving place, especially for sides whose defence is not dependable. I see a valiant effort to stay alive but one which ends in dropping down once again. I hope I’m proved wrong.
