Kenya’s football scene is buzzing with excitement as highly-rated U20 midfielder Aldrine Kibet closes in on a historic move to Spanish LaLiga side Celta Vigo.
The 18-year-old, who has been honing his skills at Spain’s Nastic Sports Academy since September 2023, now stands on the brink of a life-changing transfer that could elevate him to elite European football.
Sources close to the player revealed that Kibet’s parents flew to Spain this weekend to finalize the anticipated deal. If completed, the move would represent one of the biggest transfers for a Kenyan teenager, possibly rivaling Africa’s most notable youth deals in recent years.
Kibet first caught Celta Vigo’s attention during the U20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt earlier this year. Although Kenya exited at the group stage, Kibet’s consistent performances, vision in midfield, and flashes of raw talent impressed the Spanish scouts in attendance. The Galician club identified him as a long-term prospect capable of fitting into their attacking, possession-based style.
While the terms of the move remain undisclosed, insiders hint it could be among the most significant financially for a young African player this year. It is yet to be confirmed whether Kibet will start with the senior squad or join the youth ranks in Vigo.
Kibet’s rise to prominence has been swift. A former student of St. Anthony’s Boys Kitale, a school known for producing top Kenyan football talents, he moved to Spain in late 2023 alongside Kenya U20 captain Amos Wanjala. The pair joined Nastic Academy, combining professional training with academics in a system designed to nurture all-round athletes.
In December 2023, both players returned home briefly to represent Kenya in the CECAFA U18 Championship. Despite falling short in the final against Uganda, Kibet left a lasting impression with his energetic displays in midfield.
The year 2024 saw Kibet become a crucial figure in Kenya’s U20 squad during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Tanzania. He scored five goals in the qualifiers, helping the junior Stars punch their ticket to the continental stage. Although Kenya’s campaign in Egypt ended early, Kibet’s stock continued to rise.
In an interview last year, Kibet spoke openly about his ambition to play in Spain and his dream of one day wearing the iconic Barcelona shirt.
“Since I was young, I always dreamed of going to Spain,” he said. “It’s something I’ve shared with my parents for years. This move is a dream come true for me, but I know it’s only the beginning. I still want to play for Barcelona.”
Aldrine Kibet’s parents travelled to Spain last night as he edges closer to completing his move from Nastic to Spanish Laliga club Celta Vigo.
What remains uncertain is whether he’ll be integrated directly into the senior team or begin his journey through the youth ranks.
First… pic.twitter.com/XzllQhjPnl
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) July 14, 2025
He also shared insights into the mental and tactical growth he has experienced since moving abroad.
“It’s not just about football here. They teach you how to approach games mentally, how to stay positive, and how to build a winning mindset. It’s changed how I see the game.”
If his move to Celta Vigo materializes and he gets a chance in LaLiga, Kibet will become only the third Kenyan to feature in Spain’s top tier. He would follow in the footsteps of McDonald Mariga, who played for Real Sociedad, and Michael Olunga, who starred briefly for Girona FC.
Celta Vigo, based in the coastal city of Vigo in Galicia, boasts a proud tradition in Spanish football despite not being among the country’s traditional giants. Founded in 1923 after a merger of local clubs, Celta play their home matches at the 29,000-seater Abanca-Balaídos Stadium.
The club has built a reputation for its fluid attacking football and its commitment to youth development. Over the years, they have consistently featured in LaLiga and have been known to upset some of the league’s biggest sides. Their best domestic achievement includes finishing runners-up in the Copa del Rey on three occasions—1948, 1994, and 2001.
On the European stage, Celta Vigo reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in the 2016–17 season, narrowly missing out on a place in the final after a thrilling campaign.
For Kibet, joining a club with such a rich tradition of nurturing young talent could be the perfect launchpad for a blossoming career. His story also continues the trend of Kenyan footballers seeking opportunities abroad to hone their skills and represent the country on bigger platforms.
As the football world waits for official confirmation, Kenyan fans will be hoping that Kibet’s next chapter includes success in LaLiga and a bright future for both club and country.
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