20M for Ilaix Moriba

Ilaix Moriba, a 23-year-old midfielder for Celta de Vigo, is among the targets of Crystal Palace for the winter transfer market, with a valuation of 20 million euros on the table. The English team, bottom of the Premier League, is preparing significant changes in January and is looking to bring in players to alter their sporting situation.

The interest comes at a tense moment for Moriba with Guinea, after national coach Paulo Duarte publicly questioned his attitude during the current international break. A situation that adds a new element to a future that could lead the player back to England.

Crystal Palace seeks to strengthen its midfield with Ilaix Moriba

Crystal Palace needs to react in the Premier League and is considering an investment of 20 million euros to strengthen its squad. Moriba fits the profile that the London team is looking for, which is already familiar with the Spanish market after signing Óscar Mingueza, from Celta, in July 2026.

The sporting situation of the English team explains the need to go to the winter market. Palace occupies the last position in the Premier League, with only 7 points in 10 matches, and has decided to part ways with their coach, Pierre Sage, after suffering four consecutive defeats in the league. The loss by 1-3 to Liverpool hastened the decision, announced on November 12.

The planning for January points to a renewal of several positions. The signing of Mingueza shows that the sports management has already turned to LaLiga to bring in players, a route that is gaining prominence again with Moriba's name.

The midfielder's contract with Celta runs until June 30, 2029 and includes a release clause of 30 million euros. The 20 million that are being considered as a reference for his potential departure would allow the Galician club to obtain a significant sum without needing to reach the full amount of that clause.

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Ilaix Moriba's controversy with Guinea adds tension to his future

The possible change of scenery coincides with a complicated episode for Moriba on the international stage. Paulo Duarte, Guinea's coach, publicly questioned his attitude during this November break due to controversy surrounding the 10 jersey, currently belonging to Aliou Badara Baldé.

The Portuguese coach rebuked the midfielder for placing too much importance on individual issues and argued that no player should have privileges within the group. His statements came before the match against Eritrea, amid the controversy over the Celta player's absence from the call-up.

Moriba had initially been called up but ultimately did not travel with the national team. Celta explained that he was suffering from pain in the patellar tendon, while the player's family environment denied that he had demanded to wear jersey number 10. His father also publicly defended the player.

This episode has sparked debate around the Guinean international, although it does not alter his contractual situation in Vigo. Moriba remains tied to the sky-blue team for three more seasons after the current one.

🚨 La tremenda 𝗥𝗔𝗝𝗔𝗗𝗔 de Paulo Duarte, entrenador de Guinea, contra Ilaix Moriba: 🤷🏻‍♂️ “¿Por qué quieres el número 𝟭𝟬?” 😡 “¡Tienes un 𝗘𝗚𝗢 𝗘𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗘! Incluso si llevas el 10 eso no te garantiza un puesto de titular” 🫵🏻 “Para ti solo importas tú y conmigo así 𝗡𝗢” https://t.co/RpnjX7CPyI

— Tenías Que Haber Tirado (@TQHTPodcast) November 12, 2026

Celta de Vigo will have to consider a possible exit in January

Celta's position will be crucial if Crystal Palace's interest translates into a move during the upcoming market. The Galician club permanently signed Moriba in June 2025, after his loan from RB Leipzig, for a sum of 6 million euros. The agreement runs until 2029 and established a clause of 30 million.

The player has found continuity at Balaídos after several previous experiences outside Barcelona. His ability to participate in recovery and connect with forwards has allowed him to solidify his place in Claudio Giráldez's plans.

The Premier League had already appeared as a possible destination for Moriba during the last summer market. Aston Villa and Brighton were linked to his situation, with figures close to 20-25 million euros reported at that time.

Now, Crystal Palace again places English football on the midfielder's horizon. The Londoners' priority will be to rebuild a squad that needs immediate results and find pieces that can help them climb out of the relegation zone.

January will be a key moment for Ilaix Moriba. The 20 million euros being discussed as a reference puts Celta in a possible sporting and economic decision, while Crystal Palace needs to accelerate its reconstruction to leave the last position in the Premier League.