Celta Vigo reject Bayer Leverkusen offer for Guinea midfielder Ilaix Moriba

Guinea international Ilaix Moriba will remain at Celta Vigo after the Spanish club rejected a late approach from Bayer Leverkusen before the transfer window closed.

The Bundesliga side were looking to strengthen their midfield and submitted an offer for the 23-year-old, according to transfer expert Matteo Moretto.

Leverkusen reportedly proposed a loan deal with a mandatory obligation to buy, but Celta were unwilling to sanction the midfielder’s departure.

The failed move means Moriba will continue his role as a key figure for the Galician club, providing a boost for Guinea and African football followers ahead of another important stage in his international career.

Celta reject multiple approaches

Leverkusen were not the only club to express interest in Moriba during the transfer window.

Dutch giants Ajax had previously attempted to sign the midfielder on loan with an option to make the move permanent, but their proposal was also rejected by Celta.

Turkish side Besiktas then made a late attempt to secure the former RB Leipzig player’s signature, but that move also failed to materialise.

Celta’s determination to keep Moriba underlines his importance to the club’s midfield plans for the season.

Moriba rebuilt career after Leipzig struggles

Moriba joined Celta Vigo permanently in the summer of 2025 for €6m following a difficult spell at German side RB Leipzig.

The move to Spain provided the midfielder with an opportunity to rebuild his career after struggling to establish himself in Germany.

He has since become an important member of Celta’s squad, attracting renewed interest from clubs across Europe.

The latest transfer window has shown that Moriba’s performances in La Liga have not gone unnoticed.

Key player for Guinea

The 23-year-old has made 25 appearances for Guinea and remains one of the West African nation’s most recognisable talents playing in European football.

His decision to remain at Celta means he will continue competing regularly in La Liga, where he will hope to further develop his form and maintain his importance to Guinea’s national team.

After the failed attempts, however, Leverkusen, Ajax and Besiktas will all have to look elsewhere after Celta Vigo successfully resisted efforts to pry away their Guinean midfield star.