Celta Vigo defender Javi Rueda is ‘on the verge’ of joining Nottingham Forest, who will pay €15m to secure his services.
AS report that a deal for the right back is in the final stages. Barring a dramatic turn of events, Rueda is set to head to the Premier League.
Sport Witness covered a report earlier today stating that Nottingham Forest were closing in on the Celta Vigo defender. AS now back that up with their own information.
The Spanish newspaper states that the Málaga native is ‘very close’ to joining Nottingham Forest in a €15m deal. That fee will then be split between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid.
Nottingham Forest accelerate
The move has come after Nottingham Forest accelerated negotiations for the 24-year-old in the last few days. That led to a led to a €15m deal being struck in principle. There are, though, still some final details to be finalised.
While this is ongoing, Rueda has already advanced talks to finalise his contract with Oliver Glasner’s side. Barring a dramatic turn of events in the coming hours, he is expected to head to the Premier League.
The deal will represent a good one for the Spanish side. They acquired full ownership of the defender in 2023 and paid no fee to Real Madrid at that point. But Madrid retained a 50% stake in any future sale. Thus, the two sides will split the €15m between themselves.
Manager’s comments backfire
The move from Nottingham Forest certainly comes as a surprising one, given Celta manager Claudio Giráldez was confident a deal wouldn’t happen just five days ago.
“It hasn’t even crossed my mind that Rueda might not stay,” he said during a press conference.
“It’s only natural that there is interest in him. He is our player, and I want him to remain so. He’s a very important player for us – vital to our squad planning.
“He gives us tremendous range and depth on the right flank. He made a huge breakthrough last season, so I understand the interest. But the idea of him not staying simply hasn’t crossed my mind.”
Now, barely a week later, the defender looks far more likely to leave than to stay after Nottingham Forest made their move.
