Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly tracking the situation of 19-year-old Spanish midfield sensation Hugo Sotelo at Celta Vigo.
According to Spanish journalist Oscar Mendez, Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in Hugo Sotelo. The 19-year-old midfield sensation is yet to sign a new contract with Celta Vigo. The Sky Blues are keen on tying him to a new deal after losing Gabri Veiga. Meanwhile, his release clause is worth a mere €10 million.
Hugo Sotelo has been with Celta Vigo for over a decade. The Spaniard joined the Galician club’s academy as an eight-year-old and has since gone from strength to strength. And after rapidly rising through the ranks at Celta Vigo, he made his first-team debut in May 2021 thanks to an injury crisis.
While Sotelo barely featured for the first team after his debut, he might become Rafael Benitez’s pet project at Balaidos. And the 19-year-old midfield sensation has already turned out twice this season. But amid Celta Vigo’s struggles to tie him to a new contract, several clubs have set their sights on the youngster. His prospective suitors include Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on Sotelo’s progress for several months. The two La Liga heavyweights are renowned for constantly scouring the market for prodigious young prospects. And they were also interested in Gabri Veiga before he moved to Saudi Arabia in a shock move.
Celta Vigo had also been keen on tying Veiga to a new contract before he chose the Middle East move. And they are determined not to fall into the same trap with Sotelo, considering he is also attracting high-profile clubs. In addition, the player’s current release clause of €10 million is alluring for suitors.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been favouring youth-centric projects to ensure smooth transitions from one generation to the next. So, Sotelo fits the bill and can be a long-term midfield solution at either club.
For now, the two La Liga heavyweights are closely monitoring the situation of the 19-year-old Spanish midfield sensation. But it will be interesting to see if Barcelona and Real Madrid launch bids to prise him away from Celta Vigo in the coming months.