Celta Vigo signed Moroccan forward Couhaib Driouech from PSV Eindhoven in August 2026. The 24-year-old left forward is under contract with Celta until June 2030. The fee was reported at just under €7 million, with estimates of approximately $8.2 million and £5.8 million also reported.
PSV left Driouech out of its squad for the Dutch league match against Groningen as the transfer neared completion. At Celta, he adds depth on the left flank, a position coach Claudio Giráldez had been looking to strengthen. The club also added midfielder André Almeida, while reinforcing the defense remained another priority. A report published by Nós Diario on 22 October put Celta’s combined spending on Driouech and defender Sebastián Cáceres at about €12 million, naming the pair among the club’s impressive summer acquisitions.
Celta moved for Driouech after negotiations with Glasgow Rangers collapsed. Rangers had appeared close to signing him, but a report by Pranav Shahaney of Rangers News said issues arose during the medical examination and the club abandoned the deal. The same report said PSV maintained that “everything was good regarding his health.” Earlier August transfer coverage had identified Celta as one of the leading clubs pursuing Driouech after PSV rejected a Rangers offer.
Driouech joined PSV from Excelsior in July 2024, reportedly for €3.5 million. He scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 40 appearances for PSV last season. A right-footed left forward, he is expected to compete for a place alongside Williot and Hugo Álvarez, who started Celta’s opening match of the season.
By October, Driouech had joined Celta’s matchday group and was listed among the forwards for the club’s Europa League trip to Glasgow. He wears number 24. Early league statistics recorded five La Liga appearances, including one start, showing that his integration into the side was underway as he competed for a regular role.
Celta’s effort to strengthen its squad reflects a broader trend in Spanish football, where clubs are increasingly investing in international talent. Driouech’s arrival comes amid recent developments involving Morocco and Spain, including issues highlighted in recent coverage of migration issues between the two countries. Those events are unrelated to the transfer, but reflect the complex ties between Moroccan and Spanish football and society.
Driouech’s signing expands Celta’s attacking options and addresses a gap identified by the coaching staff. His contract runs through June 2030. He now faces the task of adapting to La Liga and establishing his role in Vigo.
In recent years, La Liga clubs have increasingly looked to the Dutch Eredivisie for emerging talent, with successful transfers raising the profile of both leagues. Celta’s investment in Driouech fits that pattern as Spanish teams seek to balance financial prudence with the need for quality signings. His move also reflects the growing presence of North African players in European football. As Celta integrates its new arrivals, the club will focus on building stability ahead of a demanding season.
