Barcelona has chosen a strategy in recent years to part ways with prospects who lack opportunities or the level for the first team, but without losing track of them. A well-known case is Óscar Mingueza, a defender who is now at Celta. In 2022, Barça let him leave for free to Celta in exchange for keeping a 50% share of his potential future sale, something that, so far, hasn't happened yet.
At times, it seemed that Mingueza was going to leave Celta de Vigo, but his departure still hasn't happened. Leipzig was very interested during the winter transfer window, even considering paying his €20 million ($21.8M) release clause. However, this option faded away and now seems like a pipe dream. After analyzing different alternatives, the homegrown culer already knows where he'll play next season... This is bad news for Barça.
Óscar Mingueza stays at Celta: $10M (€10M) less for Barça
"El Desmarque" has discovered that Óscar Mingueza wants to renew his contract with Celta. At 26 years old, he wants to continue in Vigo beyond 2026, but with a salary increase. He's happy there after three seasons wearing the sky blue jersey, having found his second home after leaving Barcelona.
At Celta, they're clear that a scenario they want to avoid is letting him leave for free, without bringing in a single euro. Right now, their priority there is to extend his contract by increasing his release clause. If they can't achieve this, the plan is to put him on the market, intending to get as much money as possible for him.
In any case, both parties want to reach an agreement for his renewal. This is bad news for Barça. Joan Laporta was practically already counting on that well-known €10 million ($10.9M) that would've ended up in the blaugrana coffers if he had left through his release clause.
Óscar Mingueza, at his best
Óscar Mingueza is experiencing the best stage of his career. At 26 years old, the Catalan defender has managed to establish himself as a key piece at Celta de Vigo, standing out for his versatility and consistent performance. Trained at La Masia and with experience in the first team at Barcelona, Mingueza has evolved to become an indispensable footballer both as a center back and as a right back.
His ability to adapt to different positions makes him a highly valued asset for coaches and national team selectors. He not only provides defensive solidity, but also clean ball distribution and tactical awareness. These qualities have made his name start to gain traction for the Spanish national team, at a time when the national squad is looking for versatile and reliable profiles.
This season with Celta, Mingueza has shown maturity, leadership, and consistency, earning the trust of the locker room and the fans. His form is excellent and everything suggests that he still has plenty of room for growth.
Mingueza has earned recognition through hard work and perseverance. Now he aspires to take another step... to establish himself in the elite and regularly wear the Spain jersey.