Why Celta Vigo prefer to lose Mingueza for free rather than selling to Juventus in January

Thursday’s reports claim that Juventus have an agreement in place over a potential free signing of Celta Vigo full-back Oscar Mingueza in June, but the Bianconeri are still hoping to bring that deal forwards to the January transfer window. Here is why Celta Vigo would prefer to lose the 26-year-old for free rather than selling him to Juventus for a fee in January. 

The January transfer window is well underway, and among the priorities for Juventus this month is a new attacker and potentially a new full-back or wing-back as well. 

According to reports from various outlets in Italy, Juventus have an agreement with Mingueza over a four, or potentially four-and-a-half year contract until the summer of 2030 worth around €1m per season in wages. This is a big step up from the €600,000 per season that the Spaniard currently earns in LaLiga. 

Bianconeri director Marco Ottolini has reportedly remained in Spain in an attempt to secure a January deal with Celta Vigo. 

Celta Vigo are reluctant to part ways with Minguez in January though, as his value has massively decreased given that his contract is due to expire in less than six months’ time. 

Reports suggest that Juventus are hoping to secure a permanent deal in January for a fee in the region of €3m-€5m. Additionally, Barcelona are entitled to a 50% sell-on clause. 

That means that if Celta Vigo were to allow Mingueza to leave in January, they would either be short a starting right-back for the remainder of the season, or have to bring in a replacement having potentially raised only €1.5m through Mingueza’s sale. 

Effectively, it would suit Celta Vigo better to lose Mingueza for free in the summer and re-assess in a few months’ time, rather than potentially leaving themselves short for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign.