Real Madrid has sold Castilla up-and-comer Miguel Baeza to Celta Vigo today. However, Los Blancos will keep half of the player’s salary.
Although Miguel Baeza has signed a first-team contract with Celta that runs through the summer of 2025, that does not mean the talented central attacking midfielder is gone for good. After spending the last eight years working through the Real Madrid academy, Baeza will move north to Vigo for three million euros.
"“Real Madrid C. F. and RC Celta have reached an agreement over the transfer ofMiguel Baeza.”“Our club would like to thank Miguel Baeza for the commitment, professionalism and exemplary conduct displayed throughout all the seasons he spent as a member of our academy and wishes him all the best in this new chapter.”"
Baeza was a key piece in Raul’s Castilla side this season and the Spanish international delivered with 10 goals and six assists in 32 appearances.
Manager Zinedine Zidane had an eye on the promising playmaker and even had Miguel train with the first-team a few times over the last year.
Keep in mind here that Real Madrid is retaining 50 percent of the player’s rights. They will continue to pay half of his wage and did not charge Celta Vigo nearly as much as they could have. The thinking here is to let Baeza get regular minutes in La Liga and keep tabs on him.
This will likely take a couple of years to properly analyze. It could be very similar to what we saw with Oscar Rodriguez at Leganes. Playing in the same position and rising up through the academy ranks, Oscar delighted fans across Europe with his stunning free-kicks and involvement in the attack.
Oscar played almost 4,500 minutes in two years on loan in southern Madrid and could play a few games with Los Blancos if they decide not to sell him like rumors suggest.
Celta narrowly avoided relegation this season and will be looking to fill out their bench depth and potential starters after a disastrous campaign.
I am very excited to see Baeza play against top level competition this fall and it will be very fun to see what he does in the next two or even three seasons. Good luck at your new club Miguel!