The market values of Celta Vigo academy graduates Yoel Lago and Hugo González have skyrocketed in the latest quarterly Transfermarkt update. Defender Lago's valuation has risen from €4m to €7.5m, while forward González has quadrupled his worth from €700,000 to €3m following his La Liga debut this season.
This massive revaluation shows the club's commitment to youth development and manager Claudio Giráldez's trust in homegrown players. Lago is the most-used outfield player by the coach this term, and González, the top scorer in preseason, is now a full first-team member. Veteran journalist Jacobo Buceta, director of Hoy por Hoy Vigo, noted that "Transfermarkt has become a very reliable gauge of footballers' market value." He added, "The one who should be happiest is Yoel Lago."
Squad-wide value growth
The increase is not limited to these two cases. Other youngsters like Hugo Burcio and Andrés Antañón, promoted from Celta Fortuna and involved with the senior squad, have also seen their valuations rise. First-choice goalkeeper Andrei Radu, who has played every minute this campaign, has increased from €9m to €10m. The total squad value now stands at €178.3 million, a figure that contrasts with the team's current league standing.
Celta Vigo sit 14th in La Liga with 7 points from seven games, recording one win, four draws, and two defeats. Their next assignment is a key away trip to bottom-side Elche this weekend, a match where the contribution of these newly-valued youngsters will be key to climbing the table.
While some players like the injury-plagued Borja Iglesias have seen a slight dip, others maintain high valuations. Williot Swedberg (€20m), Javi Rodríguez (€18m), and Ilaix Moriba (€15m) remain the squad's most valuable assets. This selective market value growth, validated by local observers, offers a positive reading of the academy's output during a challenging sporting period for the Vigo side.
The report in full is at cadenaser.com
