CELTA VIGO have invoked LaLiga’s emergency transfer rule to sign ex-Manchester City winger Nolito – after their goalkeeper got injured.
Spanish football clubs are allowed to make signings outside of the transfer window in special circumstances.
Nolito struggled to adapt to the Premier League in his one year at Man CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport
A long-term injury can be replaced by a player who already plies his trade in Spain – of any position.
On Thursday, Celta confirmed the capture of veteran winger Nolito from Sevilla having lost keeper Sergio Alvarez for five months.
The ruling stipulates that Alvarez will not be able to play any earlier than mid-November, should he recover from his knee injury ahead of schedule.
But the return of Nolito, who spent three years at Estadio Balaidos during the peak of his powers, is a huge boost to the relegation-threatened club.
Sat two points clear of the relegation zone, the Galicians lost to Villarreal in their return to action before a midweek stalemate with Valladolid.
One team likely to suffer further at the hands of the emergency transfer law are Leganes, currently four points back in the relegation battle and bottom of the table.
In February, the Madrid club lost top scorer Martin Braithwaite to Barcelona after the leaders invoked the ruling following Ousmane Dembele’s long-term injury.
Leganes were banned from signing a replacement despite being helpless in preventing the Dane’s departure, as his release clause had been met.
Some have called for the emergency option to be abolished but Nolito is set to make his second debut for Celta against Alaves on Sunday.
In 20 appearances for Sevilla this season, the 33-year-old had accumulated five goals and three assists.
Barcelona ‘already looking to sell’ Martin Braithwaite just ONE month after shock £15m transfer over financial problems
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
