Oscar Mingueza faces ‘dilemma’ after West Ham approach as release clause set
Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza doesn’t know whether to choose his head or his heart this month.
West Ham are desperately trying to sign a defender or two this winter, and Mingueza has been linked with a move to the London Stadium since mid-November.
Nuno Espirito Santo is under huge pressure at the London Stadium, with West Ham’s 2-1 FA Cup win over QPR on 11 January doing little to eases the growing tension and uncertainty around the place.
West Ham have shipped 43 goals in the Premier League so far this season, which is the most of any team in the division, and so it’s clear that if the Hammers are to have any chance of avoiding Championship football for 2026-27, major improvement must be found in defence.
Oscar Mingueza in transfer head-scratcher amid West Ham interest
Understandably then, West Ham would absolutely love to add Mingueza to their backline this month, with the 26-year-old having established himself as a smart player in La Liga with Celta Vigo over the last few years.
However, as a result of his strong performances, the Spain international now has a host of clubs pursuing his signature, with AS reporting that Italian giants Juventus are among the five clubs most actively trying to strike a deal for him, alongside: Atalanta, AC Milan, Newcastle and West Ham.
Each of those clubs are said to have already made initial contact over a deal.
However, convincing Celta Vigo to sell him this month appears to be almost impossible, as due to the fact his contract expires in the summer and Barcelona owning 50 per cent of any transfer fee generated for him, the Spanish side are seemingly going to take their chances on getting him to pen a new contract with them.
He does, however, have a £17million (€20m) release clause, which if triggered, will – by his own-admission – see Mingueza have to make a very tough decision over his future, with the versatile wing-back understood to have his heart set on staying with Celta Vigo, but he’s also aware he could earn a significant amount more money if he leaves.
AS describe it as a “dilemma”, and speaking in November 2025, he summarised his situation by saying: “It’s clear that I’m very happy and comfortable here. I want to stay and we’ll see what happens. I know that if I stay, I wouldn’t earn the same as elsewhere. I’m looking for a bit of both.”
Mingueza’s 2025-26 season by the numbers so far
Having signed for Celta Vigo in the summer of 2022 after being with Barcelona since 2007, Mingueza has really kicked on in Spanish football over the last few seasons.
He’s made 123 appearances for Celta, and has established himself as a key member of their starting XI.
- Mingueza played 66 times for Barcelona’s first-team, scoring two goals
- He’s been capped four times by Spain
- He’s scored one goal and provided four assists in 23 appearances this season
As per FotMob, Mingueza has created 18 chances, played 518 successful passes, delivered eight successful crosses and taken 897 touches in 16 La Liga appearances so far this season, culminating in 1,032 minutes of football.
He’s also won 56 per cent of his ground duels, as well as 60 per cent of his aerial ones, showing he can hold his own in the physical side of the game too.
Stay up to date this winter with our West Ham transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at the London Stadium, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.