The departure of Exequiel Zeballos from Boca is starting to take shape. With negotiations with Napoli stalled, a new interested party has emerged for Changuito: Celta de Vigo. The Spanish club has formally advanced for the forward and there is already a negotiation between both clubs, although there is still an economic difference that they must resolve to finalize the transfer before the European market closes.
The Iberian team presented an initial proposal of 5 million euros for the entire transfer, while Boca aims to receive 8 million dollars to part with the player. The parties are currently in discussions and do not rule out reaching a middle ground that allows them to close the deal.
Celta de Vigo is interested in Changuito Zeballos
From Celta, they publicly acknowledged their interest in the attacker. Marcos Garcés, sports director of the club, stated in a conversation with Olé: "He is one of the players we are looking at". Additionally, he explained what they are seeking in the market: "For us and the coach, it is very necessary to bring in a player up front who gives us imbalance, skill in one-on-one situations, and helps us break through closed defenses".
Zeballos' contractual situation is one of the factors that affects the value of the operation. The forward has a contract with Boca until December 31 of this year and, if he is not transferred during this market, he could leave as a free agent. For this reason, Xeneize has a special interest in completing a sale before losing the rights to his transfer.
Previously, Napoli had made advances for the 24-year-old right winger and had engaged in conversations with the player's camp for a deal close to 10 million dollars. However, the negotiations lost momentum due to issues related to Financial Fair Play and the priorities of the Italian team.
In this scenario, the option to move to Spain gained traction and Zeballos would not be opposed to the possibility of continuing his career in LaLiga. While the clubs try to find common ground, the player is awaiting a decision regarding his future.
If he doesn't find a club before December, Zeballos could leave Boca for free
His situation at Boca is also not easy on the sporting front. The forward was left out of the list to compete in the Copa Sudamericana and has not played any minutes nor was he called up at the start of the Torneo Clausura, making a departure during this market an increasingly concrete alternative.
Time, moreover, plays a key role in resolving his situation. The club from La Ribera knows that the closer it gets to the closing of the European market, scheduled between August 31 and September 1, the less margin there will be to find a solution. The intention of all parties will be to reach an agreement that allows defining the future of the forward before his contract enters its final months.
Zeballos' numbers at Boca
Since his debut in the first team of blue and gold at the end of 2020, the Santiago native has played 6,366 minutes, spread over 140 matches, in which he scored 16 goals, provided 16 assists, and received 14 yellow cards. In terms of titles, he has won 5: 2 League Cups (2020 and 2022), 1 Argentine Cup (2019/20), 1 Professional League (2022), and 1 Argentine Supercup (2022).
