La Liga club president confirms intentions with key defender amid Barcelona links | OneFootball

Oscar Mingueza has thrived at Celta Vigo since leaving FC Barcelona. The versatile Spanish defender, in fact, is enjoying the best season of his career in 2024/25, which led to him breaking into the national team while top clubs across Europe have taken note.

Among those interested are Barça as well, who are on the lookout for a new right-back to provide cover for Jules Kounde.

Mingueza, owing to his fine displays for Celta, is being seen as an effective option, more so considering that the Catalans have a €9 million buyback clause for him.

In case the buyback option is no longer active, Barça also retain a 50% future sell-on for Mingueza, and given that his release clause at Celta stands at €20 million, he could be re-signed for €10 million.

Celta want to retain Mingueza

In an interview with AS (h/t SPORT), Celta president Marian Mourino discussed the club’s stance on Mingueza’s future and the possibility of another club triggering his release clause.

“Release clauses are always there, and anyone can pay them. Mingueza has been an important player for us, both on the field and in the locker room. He is an international, and I see him so happy here that it’s hard for me to think he will leave,” she said.

Thriving. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“But in the transfer market, anything can happen. Maybe tomorrow I’ll get a call saying someone has paid the clause. I believe he will stay with us,” Mourino added, reinforcing Celta’s intention to keep the player, despite the uncertainty due to his clause.

Mingueza has contributed two goals and five assists in 17 matches for Celta Vigo this season, becoming an essential player.

Far from the more defensive role he played at Barcelona, he now plays as a wing-back, making significant contributions to the team’s attacking phase.

Only time will tell if a return to Barcelona materialises for the former La Masia graduate, who made his senior debut under Ronald Koeman.