Crystal Palace have moved quickly in the transfer market, securing the signature of versatile Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer from Celta Vigo. The 27-year-old puts pen to paper on a four-year deal at Selhurst Park and becomes the first piece of business under new head coach Pierre Sage.
A La Masia Graduate Heads to South London
Mingueza is a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, and the defender made his senior debut for the Catalan giants in 2020. He went on to make 66 appearances for the club, picking up a Copa del Rey winners' medal along the way, before moving to Galicia in 2022 to join Celta Vigo.
His three seasons in green and white were productive by any measure. Across 147 appearances for Celta, Mingueza contributed seven goals and 15 assists — numbers that speak to the attacking intent he brings from defensive positions. The noises out of Selhurst Park suggest Palace see him as a player capable of functioning across the backline and providing genuine thrust from wide areas.
Parish Backs the Appointment
Palace chairman Steve Parish made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm, describing the club as delighted to land a player of Mingueza's quality and character. Parish pointed to the Spaniard's experience at the highest level for both club and country as evidence of a signing that represents a genuine step forward for the Eagles.
Mingueza himself called it an honour to be joining Palace and said he is genuinely excited to get started at Selhurst Park. Subject to international clearance coming through without issue, he should be available to feature in pre-season preparations ahead of what promises to be a busy summer rebuild under Sage.
International Pedigree Without a World Cup Spot
The defender has earned four senior caps for Spain, though he was not selected in Luis de la Fuente's 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup. At 27, and with consistent club minutes behind him, Mingueza will be keen to force his way back into international contention — and regular Premier League football at Palace could help make that case.
Eyes on Everton Opener
Palace open their Premier League campaign away at Everton on Saturday, 22 August at 15:00 BST. Whether Mingueza is in contention to feature at Goodison will depend on clearance timelines, but the intent from Sage and the Palace hierarchy is clear — they want this squad reinforced early, and Mingueza is the opening move.
With the market still to fully open up, the expectation is that further arrivals will follow at Selhurst Park as Sage looks to put his stamp on a squad that finished the previous campaign with plenty of questions still to be answered.
Frequently asked
- How much did Crystal Palace pay for Oscar Mingueza?
- Crystal Palace signed Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer from Celta Vigo, meaning no transfer fee was involved. He has joined on a four-year contract.
- What position does Oscar Mingueza play?
- Mingueza is a versatile defender who can operate across the backline. He is comfortable at right-back and centre-back, and is known for his ability to contribute going forward.
- When do Crystal Palace start the new Premier League season?
- Crystal Palace begin their 2025-26 Premier League campaign away at Everton on Saturday, 22 August, with kick-off at 15:00 BST.