Aston Villa transfer news latest as Unai Emery considers former Barcelona defender
Aston Villa hold an interest in Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza as Unai Emery looks to recruit a new right-back this month.
The 25-year-old is understood to be one of a few defenders currently under consideration by Villa to add competition for Matty Cash. Mingueza has a release clause reportedly worth €20m and is due to enter the final year of his contract in the summer.
He joined Celta in July 2022 from Barcelona, who are said to hold a €9m buy-back option and a 50 per cent sell-on clause. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are also interested in Mingueza despite signing former Villa target Lutsharel Geertruida back in August.
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In an interview with AS, Celta president Marian Mourino discussed the club's stance on Mingueza's future and the possibility of another club triggering his release clause.
"Release clauses are always there, and anyone can pay them," she said. "Mingueza has been an important player for us, both on the field and in the locker room. He is an international, and I see him so happy here that it’s hard for me to think he will leave.
"But in the transfer market, anything can happen. Maybe tomorrow I’ll get a call saying someone has paid the clause. I believe he will stay with us."
Mingueza has started 17 of Celta's 18 La Liga matches this season, registering five assists and scoring twice. He is a versatile player, capable of playing as a full-back, wing-back and centre-back.
The La Masia graduate recently received a call-up to the Spain national team and played 90 minutes in their 3-2 win over Switzerland in November.
