Unai Núñez joins Espanyol on loan from Celta

RC Celta de Vigo confirmed that central defender Unai Núñez will leave the club on a season‑long loan to RCD Espanyol, with the Catalan side retaining an option to purchase. The 29‑year‑old, who is under contract with Celta until 2029, had been linked with a permanent move but no satisfactory offer was received, prompting the loan arrangement. Núñez, a product of Athletic Club’s academy, previously played for Valencia, Hellas Verona and Celta, accumulating over 237 top‑flight appearances and earning a Spain cap in 2020. Espanyol’s coach Manolo González expects Núñez to bolster a defence that has lacked depth, partnering with fellow centre‑backs such as Timera and Riedel.

Celta’s sporting director Marco Garcés noted that the club prefers players to get regular minutes, and while the club remains open to future decisions after the loan, the immediate focus is on Núñez gaining playing time at Espanyol.