Celta Vigo set €20m price tag for Moriba as Premier League interest mounts
Celta Vigo have set a €20 million price tag for Ilaix Moriba as they look to balance the books ahead of next season’s Europa League. The Guinea-born midfielder, who joined from RB Leipzig for €5 million last year, has been offered to several Premier League clubs, according to Nós Diario. The Galician side are willing to let him leave if a suitable bid arrives, but negotiations are complicated by sell-on clauses retained by both the player and Leipzig.
Moriba, who made 48 appearances for Celta last season -scoring twice and providing four assists in 3,509 minutes- remains in pre-season training but is working separately due to right Achilles tenosynovitis. The club finished last season sixth in La Liga with 54 points from 14 wins, 12 draws and 12 losses, and now face an uphill task to close the 40-point gap to leaders Barcelona. Their next fixture is away to Athletic Club on 21 February 2027.
Why Celta Vigo need to sell Moriba
Financial pressures mean Celta Vigo must generate funds to compete in Europe. Selling Moriba, a player with Premier League pedigree, could provide the necessary liquidity. Though he has shown flashes of quality, his injury record -particularly the Achilles issue- has limited his impact. The €20 million ask reflects a fourfold return on their initial investment, but sell-on clauses could reduce the net gain.
The club hopes to finalize a deal before the end of July to balance the accounts ahead of the new campaign. If Moriba leaves, the midfield will need reinforcement to maintain the team’s intensity under Claudio Giráldez.
Premier League interest: which clubs are watching?
Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Hull City have all been linked with Moriba. The Premier League’s physical demands could suit his direct style, but the price tag may deter lower-budget sides. Forest and Palace, with deeper pockets, could wait to see him fully fit before committing.
At 23, Moriba still has room to grow, but his injury history -especially the Achilles problem- raises questions. If he stays, Celta must manage his workload carefully to avoid further setbacks.
What happens if Moriba stays at Vigo?
If no bid materializes, Celta must rethink their approach. Moriba remains a key asset, and his departure would leave a midfield void. Giráldez has stressed the need to stay competitive across all competitions, and with Europa League football on the horizon, every player and point matters. If he stays, the club must handle his fitness with care to avoid jeopardizing his contributions in crucial matches.
