Last-gasp Álvaro Núñez deal sees Celta secure right-back until 2030
RC Celta de Vigo pulled off a dramatic deadline day move for Elche defender Álvaro Núñez, completing the transfer with just five minutes to spare.
Just when everyone thought Celta had wrapped up their transfer business, the Galician club pulled a proper rabbit out of the hat with literally five minutes left on the clock, securing Elche’s Álvaro Núñez on a long-term deal running until 2030.
Deal Details
The 25-year-old defender joins in a deal worth €1.5 million, which reportedly includes the player waiving some money he was owed. Elche have smartly inserted a 10% sell-on clause for any future transfer, while Celta have tied down the right-back for what’s left of this season plus four more campaigns.
Núñez was approaching the end of his contract at Elche, which would have expired this summer on June 30th, making this January move a shrewd bit of business for all parties.
Player Profile
The Spanish defender has been an absolute fixture in Elche’s lineup this season:
- Started every match in the first half of the season
- Racked up a hefty 1,652 minutes across 19 appearances
- Missed only the last three matches due to a groin injury (pubalgia)
What’s particularly interesting for Celta boss Giráldez is Núñez’s versatility - while primarily a right-back, he could also slot into the right side of a back three if needed, giving the gaffer some proper options at the back.
Club Statement
Celta didn’t waste any time bigging up their new acquisition, describing Núñez as an “offensive-profile defender who likes to take a leading role down the flank” in their official announcement. They highlighted his combination play, ability to reach the byline, and overall intensity in both defensive and attacking phases.
The club also noted his “competitive hunger and growth potential” - suggesting they see this as an investment for the future rather than just a short-term fix.
What It Means
This last-minute deal has all the hallmarks of a club thinking long-term. With a contract running until 2030, Celta are clearly backing Núñez to develop into a key player over the coming years. For a fee that’s not exactly breaking the bank, this could turn out to be a right Bobby Dazzler of a signing if he continues his upward trajectory.