Celta Vigo have perhaps already secured their most important signature of 2026, with manager Claudio Giraldez penning a new deal at Balaidos. The 38-year-old manager has committed his future until the summer of 2028.
Giraldez received interest earlier in the year from Bayer Leverkusen, following the precipitated departure of Bayer Leverkusen in September, but shortly afterwards penned an extension until 2027. Just eight months later, Giraldez has penned a third extension since taking the reins at Celta, keeping him in charge for two seasons beyond this one.
Giraldez commits future to Celta Vigo
Mentioned as one of the options being considered by Athletic Club to take over from Ernesto Valverde, it has not taken long for Celta to react. Giraldez’s stock has been on the rise though, with Os Celeste going from strength to strength, proving that his excellent coaching job was not limited to a single season, while balancing the increased demands of European football.
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Giraldez’s brilliant two years
It’s just over two years since Giraldez took over from Rafael Benitez at Balaidos. After guiding Celta to safety, he authored an excellent campaign, with Celta placing 7th and qualifying for the Europa League, their highest in nine years. This season Celta are through to the last eight of the Europa League, and remarkably still in 6th, despite frugal investment. All of this has been carried out with an influx of impressive academy talents, and non-negotiable attractive football.
Iago Aspas injury
It was not all positive news in Vigo this week, after Iago Aspas was diagnosed with an tendonitis in his Achilles’ tendon. The 38-year-old has been ruled out of their clash with Valencia this weekend, but it could keep him out for multiple weeks, placing his presence against Freiburg in the Europa League quarter-finals in doubt too. Real Oviedo and Barcelona follow Valencia in the La Liga calendar.
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Aspas is the next signature Celta fans will be waiting for anxiously. His deal is up at the end of the season, and he has been coy on his future all season, with retirement possibly on the cards.