Ilaix Moriba poised to remain at Celta Vigo after Ajax approach

Ajax have been unable to persuade Celta Vigo to sell Ilaix Moriba, with the Spanish club rejecting a loan proposal that would have included a mandatory option to buy.

The Amsterdam club had recently been linked with the 23-year-old midfielder, who was once regarded as one of the brightest prospects at FC Barcelona. According to Spanish journalists Nacho Sanchis and Oscar Mendez, Ajax went beyond initial interest and made a formal attempt to sign the Guinea international.

However, their offer did not convince Celta Vigo. Ajax were also prepared to cover Moriba’s wages as part of the proposed deal, but the Galician club are no longer willing to let him leave.

That position represents a change from earlier in the summer, when Moriba appeared likely to depart Celta Vigo. The club have since adopted a more determined stance as they seek to strengthen their squad and make an impact in La Liga.

Celta Vigo have already blocked Nottingham Forest’s attempt to sign Javi Rueda, underlining their desire to retain important players. Moriba is now expected to remain with the Spanish side unless their position changes.

Ajax are not the only club to have shown interest. Bayer Leverkusen are also pursuing the midfielder and had hoped to include Robert Andrich in a potential deal.

Moriba earned a reputation as a major talent during his time at FC Barcelona. With only one year remaining on his contract, he moved to RB Leipzig in 2021 for €16m.

His time in Germany did not develop as expected. Moriba subsequently spent loan spells at Valencia, Getafe and Celta Vigo before Celta completed a permanent transfer for him a year ago, paying €6m.

He has since become an established international for Guinea, winning 25 caps, and his performances have attracted attention from clubs in both the Netherlands and Germany. Ajax’s unsuccessful approach suggests Celta Vigo currently regard him as an important part of their plans for the coming La Liga campaign.

Ajax manager Michel has not ruled out bringing in another central midfielder following the arrival of Sofyan Amrabat. He made that position clear after Ajax’s Eredivisie match against Telstar, although the club’s recruitment priorities extend beyond the centre of the pitch.

Ajax are also looking to add a left winger and, ideally, a central defender before the transfer window closes. Any further move for Moriba will depend on whether Celta Vigo decide to reconsider their decision to keep the midfielder in Galicia.