Celta Vigo coach Giraldez signals more signings and exits before window shuts
Synopsis
Celta Vigo's Europa League preparations are still a work in progress — coach Claudio Giraldez has openly flagged more transfer movement ahead, even as three arrivals and several departures have already reshaped the squad. The club's ability to close its remaining gaps before the August deadline will be critical to its European ambitions.
Key Takeaways
Celta Vigo coach Claudio Giraldez has confirmed further transfer activity is expected before the window closes at the end of August .
Three players have joined this summer: midfielder Aleix Febas (Elche), left-back Javi Galan (Osasuna), and centre-back Abdoulaye Faye on loan from Bayer Leverkusen .
Oscar Mingueza has departed for the Premier League ; Hugo Sotelo has joined Levante ; Unai Nunez is reportedly set for a loan move to Espanyol .
Midfielder Carlos Dotor , 25 , has been transferred to newly promoted Malaga , for whom he made 40 appearances last season.
Celta finished sixth in La Liga last season, qualifying for the Europa League .
Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giraldez has confirmed that the club's transfer activity is far from over, with further arrivals and departures expected before the window closes at the end of August. Speaking to reporters, Giraldez struck a measured but confident tone about the squad's direction ahead of their return to Europa League football.
Summer Business So Far
The La Liga club, which impressed last season by finishing sixth in the table to secure European qualification, has brought in three new faces this summer. Midfielder Aleix Febas has arrived from Elche, left-back Javi Galan has joined from Osasuna, and young centre-back Abdoulaye Faye has come in on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
Notable Departures
On the outgoing side, Oscar Mingueza has made the move to the Premier League, while Hugo Sotelo has joined Levante. Centre-back Unai Nunez is reportedly set to sign for Espanyol on loan, though the deal had not been formally confirmed at the time of reporting.
Additionally, midfielder Carlos Dotor has been transferred to newly promoted Malaga, who are preparing for their return to La Liga for a second consecutive season. The 25-year-old made 40 appearances for Malaga last season, scoring one goal and providing four assists, and was described as 'vital in the historic promotion to La Liga.' He had become increasingly influential following the appointment of coach Juanfran Funes in November, who has now moved to bring him back for the club's top-flight campaign.
What Giraldez Said
'There is still a lot of transfer window ahead of us,' Giraldez told the media. 'The squad has been very well-prepared, but we know that it isn't closed and there will be more movement.' He added: 'We have players who haven't been able to play in pre-season, and we are a long way from considering our work to be done, although I am certain we will have a team that is complete in all parts of the pitch.'
What to Watch Next
With the window running until the end of August, Celta's recruitment team will be working against the clock to address any remaining positional gaps — particularly given the pre-season absences Giraldez alluded to. How the club manages its final weeks of business could shape their Europa League ambitions significantly.
Point of View
The window's final weeks could define whether Celta are genuine contenders or simply participants.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What transfers has Celta Vigo completed this summer?
Celta Vigo have signed midfielder Aleix Febas from Elche, left-back Javi Galan from Osasuna, and centre-back Abdoulaye Faye on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. On the outgoing side, Oscar Mingueza has joined a Premier League club, Hugo Sotelo has moved to Levante, and Carlos Dotor has been transferred to Malaga.
Why is Celta Vigo active in the transfer market this summer?
Celta Vigo qualified for the Europa League after finishing sixth in La Liga last season, and coach Claudio Giraldez is building a squad capable of competing on two fronts. He has indicated that the squad is not yet complete and more movement is expected before the window closes.
Who is Carlos Dotor and why has he returned to Malaga?
Carlos Dotor is a 25-year-old midfielder who spent last season on loan at Malaga, making 40 appearances and contributing to their historic promotion to La Liga. Coach Juanfran Funes, who was appointed in November, has brought him back permanently for Malaga's return to the top flight.
When does the transfer window close for La Liga clubs?
The transfer window for La Liga clubs closes at the end of August. Celta Vigo coach Claudio Giraldez has confirmed the club expects to complete further business before that deadline.
What did Giraldez say about Celta Vigo's squad readiness?
Giraldez told reporters that the squad has been 'very well-prepared' but is 'not closed,' with more movement expected. He added that some players had been unable to feature in pre-season, but expressed confidence the club would have a team 'complete in all parts of the pitch' by the time the window shuts.
