Nottingham Forest are advancing in negotiations to sign Celta Vigo wing-back Javi Rueda. The clubs are in advanced talks to reach an agreement for the 24-year-old player.
Celta Vigo, currently sitting 12th in La Liga with one point after their opening draw, could lose a key player in their system. The sky-blue team prepares for their next home match against 11th-placed Osasuna, needing to improve an attack that has yet to score this season.
What does the Real Madrid agreement mean?
Any deal for Javi Rueda will have direct financial consequences for Real Madrid. The agreement that brought the player to Celta Vigo in 2023 stipulates that the Madrid club would receive 50% of any future transfer fee. This sell-on clause mechanism is common and conditions the current negotiations.
Rueda established himself in Celta's first team last season, making 27 appearances in La Liga and scoring two goals. His most notable moment came in the Europa League, where he scored in both legs of the round of 16 against Lyon, decisively contributing to the Galician team's progression. You can check the squad's complete performance on our stats page.
Why is Nottingham Forest targeting Rueda?
New Nottingham Forest head coach Oliver Glasner favours a system with three centre-backs and wing-backs. This tactic requires specific, quality options in the wide positions. Celta Vigo predominantly used this same scheme last season, making Rueda a player already adapted to Glasner's tactical demands.
Acquiring another wing-back is a high priority for the English club this summer. Ola Aina has started at right wing-back in the two opening home defeats to Leeds United, matches in which Forest failed to score. On the other flank, Neco Williams, last spring's player of the season, looks like he needs time to adjust to the left wing-back role. Rueda's arrival would provide immediate competition and depth.
How does this affect Forest's transfer market?
The interest in Javi Rueda comes after Nottingham Forest missed out on signing Anan Khalaili. The English club had a £20 million bid for the Israeli rejected, with the player instead joining Crystal Palace from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Concurrently, Forest announced the season-long loan of 20-year-old right-back Eric da Silva Moreira to Excelsior.
The team is also close to completing an initial £45 million move for striker Liam Delap from Chelsea, a player with physical presence and high potential. Nottingham Forest correspondent Paul Taylor noted that "Rueda could be the final piece of the jigsaw." Capturing a quality wing-back is viewed as significant for completing the squad Glasner wants to shape.
What is Celta Vigo's current context?
The potential departure of Javi Rueda comes at a transitional moment for Celta. The team, sitting five points behind leaders Sevilla, seeks stability after a tight start to the season. Their defence has yet to concede, but the attack hasn't awakened either, a balance reflected in our standings table.
Rueda, whose entire career has been spent in Spain, would represent a loss in a position where Celta has alternatives, but also an influx of funds that could be reinvested. Talks are advanced, but personal terms with the player and the final package with Celta are not yet agreed. The development of this operation in the coming days will be key for both parties as Celta focuses on their next league challenge.
