On December 23, 2023, Celta de Vigo formalized the departure of Luis Campos. The one who occupies the role of football advisor at Paris Saint-Germain was also sporting director of the Galician club since 2022. But he was fired about a year ago. “The departure of the Portuguese will not affect the imminent sports planning with a structure that will be led by the incorporation of a new director of football, with a role and model different from that of Campos, since the latter will be present in permanence, day to day”announced the Spanish club. But a few months before leaving, the Portuguese had notably participated in the recruitment of Jonathan Bamba. A player he had known at LOSC.
The footballer, whose transfer was also validated at the time by Rafael Benitez, spilled the beans during his presentation press conference in Vigo in the summer of 2023. “I had a lot of offers during the market and Luis Campos was essential for me to come to Celta. He told me a lot about the club and the environment. I also know a lot of players who were part of the team. I really liked the supporters and the club. There is a fantastic atmosphere (…) The club has a very ambitious project, just like me. I came to help the team, to succeed in the championship. On a personal level, Celta can bring me a lot.” A year and a half later, the honeymoon is already over between the Liga team and the Alfortville native.
Jo Bamba is pushed out
Last year, for his first season, the 28-year-old participated in 28 matches in all competitions (2038 minutes played), including 25 as a starter. Time for him to score 5 goals and deliver 2 assists. This season, the Ivorian participated in 12 matches (760 minutes of play, 9 starts). In detail, it was used 11 times in La Liga and 1 time in the Copa del Rey. As for her stat line, she is currently blank (0 goals and assists). Which is not his business. Indeed, Relevo explains that Celta de Vigo is clearly looking to part with it during the next transfer market. This was already the case last summer.
The Iberian publication, renowned for its seriousness, specifies that he is still not part of coach Claudio Giráldez’s plans this season. In addition, the Galicians, disappointed with his performance since his signing, want to offload his big salary. He is the highest paid player in the squad with Iago Aspas. Which makes it very difficult to find a way out of him in Europe, except in the Premier League, according to Relevo. Celta therefore hopes to find him a base in Saudi Arabia and has started discussions with well-placed intermediaries in order to obtain a good proposal. But nothing says that the Saudi Pro League interests the player, who is not necessarily ready to join a “minor” championship according to Relevo. Ligue 1, where he has already proven himself, could possibly represent a good way out. In the meantime, Celta must deal with the poisoned gift of Luis Campos.
