Catch the latest football transfer news making the rounds in LaLiga today. Stay up-to-date and follow everything as it happens on the Hollywoodbets Blog!
Gundogan signs for Barca after seven years at the Etihad
Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer, with the midfielder set to pen a three-year contract.
Gundogan was in talks with City over a new deal, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.
However, the length of the deal on offer for the 32-year-old – one year plus an option of a further 12 months – was a sticking point. Arsenal were are also interested in Gundogan.
The influential former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League in his seven years at City.
Ilkay Gündogan to Barcelona, here we go! Final approval arrived on club side to register him as new signing, green light from the player. It’s done deal, signed few minutes ago. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023
Gündogan has agreed a two year deal valid until June 2025 with option for further year. pic.twitter.com/Gr467hNBms
Rafa Benitez to return to management after agreeing to take over at Celta vigo
After reportedly turning down two offers from Saudi Arabia, the former Liverpool and Everton boss looks set to take over at LaLiga outfit Celta Vigo.
The Spanish side are without a manager after Carlos Carvalhal left by mutual consent earlier in June.
Benitez has managed some of the biggest clubs in Europe after starting out with Real Madrid’s youth then Castilla sides.
The Madrid-born boss has been out of the dugout since being fired by the Toffees in January 2022, but now it seems that he has found a new opportunity in Spain.
He worked around Spain, winning two LaLigas and the UEFA Cup with Valencia, before joining Liverpool, where he famously led them to Champions League Success in 2005.
Rafa Benitez will become the new Celta Vigo manager. 🤝
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 20, 2023
Benitez had the option to manage in Saudi Arabia but has chosen to return to Spain. It’s his first job since leaving Everton in January 2022. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/602vt0PuVO
Out-of-favour Jesus Vellejo determined to fight for Real chance despite offers to leave
Jesus Vallejo is one player that has featured very sparingly for Real Madrid. The 26-year-old has been with the club since 2015 but spent most of the early years being farmed out on loan.
Since returning from his temporary stint with Granada after the 2020/21 season, the Spaniard has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu but has not seen enough minutes under Carlo Ancelotti.
Last season, Vallejo played only four times across all competitions, clocking a total of just 88 minutes. The 26-year-old is behind Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Nacho Fernandez in the pecking order at the Spanish capital club
.@Rodra10_97: "From the club, they say Jesus Vallejo is an irreproachable professional and always the first to arrive at training."
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) June 15, 2023
Today, he hands over his jersey to Jude Bellingham without problems. A special soul. pic.twitter.com/BuTDRZWyo3
Premier League is calling for Gabri Viega
The gifted attacker enjoyed a phenomenal breakout season in his homeland, registering 15 goal contributions in 36 La Liga outings throughout 2022/23.
His magnificent rise to international prominence means that the sensation is set to play a starring role at the U21 European Championship this year.
According to reports, the 21-year-old is “ready for the next step” in his career and talks have been initiated with Chelsea.
He has a £34m release clause that is expected to be triggered in the coming weeks, and incoming coach Rafa Benitez could soon find himself in a position where he will have to sell Celta Vigo’s most valuable asset to his former club Liverpool, who are hot on the midfielder’s tracks.
Gabri Viega ⭐️🇪🇸 is being tracked by top clubs such as Chelsea and Liverpool. The 21 year old loves Vigo but could be tempted by big offers coming in soon 🔜🔵 pic.twitter.com/8Xy24hbS57
— The Golden Ball ⚽️🏆 (@alexx5546) June 21, 2023
Barcelona finalising move for teenage sensation Roque
FC Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle to sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense
Roque, who turned 18 on the last day of February, will pen a five-year contract until June 30, 2028.
Barca would like striker Roque to join them this summer and already act as backup to Robert Lewandowski. Simultaneously, he may also provide positional rivalry to compatriot Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele on the right wing.
One more goal tonight for Vitor Roque. Barcelona are prepared to meet Athl. Paranaense again soon to fix final details of the deal. 🔵🔴🇧🇷 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
Verbal agreement reached on €35m deal plus €10m add-ons.
Payment terms, taxes & details to be discussed.
Five year contract. pic.twitter.com/NofWWBTusZ
Real sign Joselu Mato on loan from Espanyol
The forward returns to Los Blancos after winning the Nations League 2023 with the Spanish national team, where he played a key role thanks to his winning goal against Italy in the semi-finals, and after being the top Spanish goal scorer in the last LaLiga campaign (16 goals for Espanyol).
Joselu joined Real Madrid’s youth academy in 2010 and played for Castilla. In the two seasons with our reserve team, he was the top scorer in the team. In the second of them, the 2011-12, he proved to be instrumental in winning promotion to the Second Division as champion of the division.
He scored 19 goals in the regular league and 7 more in the promotion play-offs.
Welcome Back Joselu Mato 🤍
— Priyanshu Mukherjee (@Lord7_RMA) June 19, 2023
HALA MADRID 🤍🤍 pic.twitter.com/Q8FraxQB6E
Andre Gomez could link up with Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo
With Rafael Benitez looking set to become Celta Vigo’s new manager, the Spanish side are keen on reuniting him with former Everton player Andre Gomez.
Gomes, who is still under contract with Everton, enjoyed a loan spell in Ligue 1 with LOSC Lille last season where he scored three goals and provided two assists in 26 games.
The 29-year-old has one more year left on his contract with the Merseyside club, and Celta are reportedly working to bring Gomes back to La Liga to accompany Benítez.
Previously of Barcelona, Gomes is vastly experienced when it comes to Spanish football having played over 100 La Liga matches in spells at Valencia and Barça.
🚨 Celta Vigo are working on a deal for Andre Gomes. They’ve been given the green light by new manager, Rafa Benitez. pic.twitter.com/gqVj4cEJC5
— Everton Extra (@Everton_Extra) June 21, 2023
Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea almost done
Chelsea have put Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson on standby to fly to London on Friday as they aim to wrap up a move for the 21-year-old. The Blues have agreed personal terms with Jackson over a long-term contract and look set to trigger his £30million release clause.
Jackson finished the season in blistering form for Villarreal, scoring nine goals in eight La Liga matches, and is ready to travel to London for a medical.
He was a cheaper alternative to £100m-rated Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
🚨| Chelsea remain in talks with Villarreal over the signing of Nicolas Jackson.
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 22, 2023
Chelsea are prepared to pay the €35m release clause but are exploring a structured outlay.💰
[via @skysports_sheth]. pic.twitter.com/qn1Zu0JL5C
