Kenya U20 wonderkid set for LaLiga move
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 14.07.25. | 06:49
The player has been in Nastic's books since September 2023.
Kenya U20 midfielder Aldrine Kibet is on the brink of joining Spanish LaLiga side Celta Vigo from Nastic Sports Academy, Mozzart Sports has learned.
Reliable sources reveal that Kibet’s parents flew to Spain last night to finalize the highly anticipated transfer. The move would mark a major milestone for the 18-year-old, who has spent the past year developing in Spain.
Celta Vigo, based in the northwestern city of Vigo, identified Kibet as a promising prospect after monitoring him during the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier this year. While he didn’t particularly stand out at the tournament, he delivered steady performances and showed flashes of potential that convinced the club to make a move.
Although the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it's believed to be one of the most expensive transfers involving an African teenager. Whether Kibet will be integrated directly into the first team or initially join the club’s youth ranks remains to be seen.
A former student at St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale, Kibet joined Nastic Academy in September 2023 alongside Kenya U20 captain Amos Wanjala. The duo continued their education while receiving professional football training in Spain. They briefly returned to Kenya in December 2023 to represent the national U18 team at the CECAFA Championship, where Kenya finished second after a final loss to Uganda.
In 2024, he played a key role in Kenya's qualification for the U20 AFCON, scoring five goals during the qualifiers in Tanzania. He featured in the final tournament, where Kenya exited at the group stage.
Speaking in a 2024 interview, the midfielder shared his long-term dream of playing in Spain and his ambition of one day joining Barcelona.
“Since I was young, it has always been my dream to go to Spain, and it's something I’ve always talked about with my parents. For me, this is a dream come true, but I’m not where I want to be yet I want to play for Barcelona,” he said.
He also praised the mental and tactical development he has experienced since moving to Spain.
“It’s not just about football here. They’ve taught us how to approach games mentally, how to stay positive, and how to build a winning mindset.”
If the deal goes through and Kibet features in LaLiga, he would become only the third Kenyan to play in Spain’s top tier, after McDonald Mariga (Real Sociedad) and Michael Olunga (Girona).
Who are Celta Vigo?
Founded in 1923 after the merger of two local teams, Celta Vigo plays its home matches at the 29,000-capacity Abanca-Balaídos Stadium.
Celta is renowned for its entertaining, attacking style of play and strong focus on nurturing young talent. Though not a traditional powerhouse in Spanish football, they’ve consistently competed in LaLiga and are known for upsetting bigger sides.
Key achievements
Domestic Competitions
Copa del Rey Runners-up: 1948, 1994, 2001
Segunda División Champions: 4 times
European Stage
UEFA Europa League Semi-finalists: 2016–17
