Contract Crunch: Seven Celta Stars Facing Summer Uncertainty
Iago Aspas, Óscar Mingueza and Marcos Alonso among seven Celta Vigo players whose contracts expire in June, with varying degrees of likelihood they'll stay in Galicia.
Seven Celta Vigo players enter the final six months of their contracts in January, with club legend Iago Aspas and defensive mainstays Óscar Mingueza and Marcos Alonso among those who could soon be negotiating with other clubs.
The magnificent seven
The full list of Celta players whose contracts expire on June 30th includes:
- Iago Aspas
- Óscar Mingueza
- Marcos Alonso
- Fran Beltrán
- Boško Ristić
- Joseph Aidoo
- Franco Cervi
Renewal prospects
The situation varies dramatically across the group. In the case of club icon Aspas, the ball is firmly in his court. The 37-year-old will decide himself whether to extend his playing career for another season.
Mingueza, who’s been a proper diamond since arriving three-and-a-half years ago, has expressed his desire to remain in Vigo, with the feeling being mutual. Manager Claudio Giráldez is optimistic about keeping the versatile defender, though negotiations remain financially complex.
Marcos Alonso is another defensive regular the club is keen to keep, with discussions already underway for a one-year extension. The former Chelsea man appears receptive to staying in Galicia.
The likely departures
Fran Beltrán’s situation is more complicated. Despite his eight seasons at Celta and being one of the club’s most experienced Primera División players despite his relative youth, the club hasn’t yet offered him a new deal.
Injury-plagued Ristić has struggled for consistency, making his renewal unlikely. Ghanaian defender Aidoo, who suffered a serious Achilles tendon rupture, may even depart as soon as January.
Franco Cervi is nailed-on to leave. Celta has been trying to shift the Argentine for 18 months, but he’s been having none of it. The club will try again to arrange a transfer in January, but all signs point to a summer exit when his contract expires.
Zaragoza situation separate
In separate business, Celta will need to make a decision on Bryan Zaragoza’s future at season’s end. His purchase becomes mandatory if certain conditions are met, though these benchmarks aren’t currently being achieved.