Vigo, Spain – In a significant move for both player and club, Borja Iglesias returns to Celta Vigo on loan from Real Betis. Affectionately known as “The Panda,” Iglesias aims to bolster Celta’s forward line as they prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 La Liga season.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born on January 17, 1993, in Santiago de Compostela, Borja Iglesias Quintas initially made his mark at Celta Vigo. Formed at Celta, Iglesias predominantly played in the reserves, setting a record as the top scorer in the history of Celta’s reserve team with 76 goals.
His prolific scoring earned him the nickname “The Panda” and saw the creation of the emblematic ‘Panda Team’.
Journey Through Spain’s Top Divisions
Iglesias’ journey from Celta’s reserves to becoming a key player in Spain’s top divisions is a testament to his talent and hard work. He scored 23 goals in one season in the Second Division, followed by 56 goals in La Liga, and added another 20 goals in various official competitions.
His stellar performances at Espanyol and Real Betis, where he netted 50 goals in over 175 La Liga games, earned him a spot in the Spanish national team and saw him winning the Copa del Rey with Betis in the 2021–22 season.
Recent Success at Bayer Leverkusen
Most recently, Iglesias had a successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen, helping them clinch the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal in the 2023/24 season. Despite limited appearances, his presence was felt as he played 252 minutes across seven Bundesliga games.
Celta Vigo’s Squad and Season Preparations
Celta Vigo, currently managed by Rafael Benítez, is gearing up for a challenging season with a mix of seasoned players and promising young talents. The squad includes notable names such as:
- Goalkeeper Guaita
- Defenders J. Aidoo and C. Starfelt
- Midfielders Fran Beltrán and F. Cervi
- Veteran striker Iago Aspas
The addition of Iglesias is expected to add firepower to an attacking line that also features T. Douvikas and Carles Pérez.
Promising Pre-Season Form
Celta’s recent pre-season form has been promising, with a 2-2 draw against Benfica indicating their preparedness for the league opener. The team is set to face Alaves and Valencia in their first two La Liga matches at the Abanca Balaídos stadium, where Iglesias will don the sky blue shirt once again.
Real Betis’ Squad Restructuring
For Real Betis, the departure of Iglesias on loan is part of their larger squad restructuring under Manuel Pellegrini. Betis has been active in the transfer market, bringing in reinforcements such as Diego Llorente, Iker Losada, and Marc Roca while also offloading players like Abner and Juan Miranda.
Conclusion: A Nostalgic Boost for Celta Vigo
As Celta Vigo aims for a strong start to the season, the return of Borja Iglesias brings both experience and a nostalgic boost to the club and its fans. With the striker’s proven goal-scoring ability and a squad brimming with potential, Celta looks poised to make a significant impact in the 2024/25 La Liga season.
