Celta stands firm and blocks the first bid for Moriba

R.C. Celta de Vigo

158

Ilaix Moriba
920.000€    5

J1

MD

32

The departure of Ilaix Moriba is starting to take shape, although in Vigo they are clear that there will be no price cuts. The Galatasaray has been the first to make a firm move for the Guinea midfielder, but its financial offer has not convinced the Celta hierarchy.

The Turkish champions submitted an offer of 15 million euros to sign the player, a figure that Celta considers insufficient. The Galician club has set the asking price at 20 million and has no intention of changing its demands despite the growing interest the player is generating in the market.

Vigo's confidence is based on the competition already in place for Moriba. At Balaidos, they believe there are still moves to come and that other teams with greater financial capacity could enter the race over the coming weeks.

Several weeks ago, from England the possibility was already raised that the side coached by Unai Emery, Aston Villa would be willing to reach the figures demanded by Celta. Although no further progress has come to light since then, the interest remains in the player's circle.

The Brighton are also keeping tabs on the situation of the midfielder, while in Italy the Juventus remains attentive to developments. The Turin club is looking at alternatives to strengthen its midfield and Moriba is among the names it is considering if any major departure occurs in its squad.

At 23 years old, the Guinea international is going through one of the most solid moments of his career. Claudio Giráldez has given him an important role over the last two campaigns, and the player has responded with consistency and continuity. In the most recent season, he took part in 48 matches, establishing himself as one of the coach's trusted men.

The signing of Aleix Febas and the contacts initiated to try to sign Azzedine Ounahi show that the sporting directorate is considering different scenarios for the engine room.

There will only be an agreement if any club reaches the 20 million euros set as the starting point to negotiate the transfer of one of the players with the highest market value in the squad.