Celta Vigo have officially signed a top Barcelona defender, completing the transfer and adding significant quality to their backline.
The Galician club successfully finalized a deal to acquire the highly rated La Masia center-back, securing a long-term target who fits seamlessly into their possession-oriented defensive blueprint.
As part of the completed agreement, FC Barcelona have ensured financial protection for their youth investment by officially retaining a percentage of any future sell-on fee.
His composure, tactical intelligence when building out from the back, and natural leadership—frequently donning the captain’s armband—made him one of the most respected defenders in Barcelona’s reserve squad.
The versatile 20-year-old central defender completing his permanent switch to Celta Vigo is Alexis Olmedo, the Manresa-born defender who bids farewell to Catalonia after a remarkable 13-year tenure in the club’s youth setup, having first joined La Masia as a seven-year-old back in 2014, as per the official Barcelona statement.
Olmedo progressed through every single academy category before establishing himself as a key pillar for Barça Atlètic, where he recorded 51 official appearances over three seasons.
During the 2024/25 campaign, Olmedo’s steady trajectory caught the eye of senior head coach Hansi Flick, who regularly integrated the defender into first-team training sessions.
Although a meniscus injury temporarily halted his momentum, Olmedo returned to full fitness and earned a spot in the senior matchday squad during Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Osasuna.
For Celta Vigo, landing Olmedo represents a major strategic coup in acquiring one of Spain’s most technically gifted young defenders.
The transfer provides the 20-year-old with a highly competitive environment in La Liga 2 to accelerate his transition to top-flight football.
Meanwhile, Barcelona continue their summer squad restructuring while safeguarding future financial return.
In a heartfelt farewell message, Olmedo expressed immense gratitude to the club that shaped his childhood, ready to embrace his next professional chapter at Balaídos.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
