3 Factors That Attracted La Liga Outfit Celta Vigo to Snap Up Kenyan Wonderkid Aldrine Kibet

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3 Factors That Attracted La Liga Outfit Celta Vigo to Snap Up Kenyan Wonderkid Aldrine Kibet

Mark Kinyanjui 21:59 - 16.07.2025

La Liga outfit Celta Vigo have outlined three reasons they snapped up Harambee Stars prospect Aldrine Kibet on a four-year deal.

Kenya’s teenage football sensation Aldrine Kibet has completed a groundbreaking move to Spanish La Liga side Celta Vigo, signing a contract running until 2029. 

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder will be registered with Celta Juvenil and begin with Celta Fortuna, while the club prepares him for future integration into the first team.

Celta Vigo’s official statement highlighted exactly what impressed them. Here are three key factors that convinced the Spanish club to sign the Kenyan youth star:

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Standout International Performances

3 Factors That Attracted La Liga Outfit Celta Vigo to Snap Up Kenyan Wonderkid Aldrine Kibet

The club noted that Kibet impressed during national youth competitions, particularly stating he “has arrived in Vigo after standing out at the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations for his speed, ball‑playing ability, and goal‑scoring prowess.”

 These qualities helped guide Kenya U20 to their first-ever AFCON U20 qualification, establishing him as a dynamic and reliable performer on the continental stage.

In addition, Kibet played a crucial role in the Kenya U18 side that reached the CECAFA U18 final, where his scoring consistency (he was top scorer) and creative flair further validated his readiness for European football.

Exceptional Ball Skills and Final-Third Threat

Celta Vigo emphasized Kibet’s technical strengths, praising his ability to influence matches in the final third. His 2023 breakthrough came during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) championships, where he captained St. Anthony’s Boys High School (Kitale) to the national title. 

There, he was named Most Valuable Player and top scorer, registering an astonishing 25 goals and 27 assists—clear indicators of his attacking intelligence and creativity.

Those stats, combined with his form in youth international play, showcased the kind of ball-playing ability and goal-scoring prowess that aligns perfectly with Celta’s philosophy.

Long-Term Potential and Club Confidence

Celta Vigo’s faith in Kibet’s future is clear: “The club is banking on his potential and quality to continue growing and strengthen Fredi Álvarez’s squad,” the statement reads. 

The five-year contract — signed on a free transfer — underlines their commitment to nurturing his development over the long term, with the intention of preparing him for eventual senior involvement under coach Fredi Álvarez.

Located in Spain’s northwestern city of Vigo, the club has a reputation for giving young talents a clear pathway from academy to first team. That structure will support Kibet’s adaptation to European football and help maximize his high ceiling.

With Aldrine Kibet’s move coinciding with Kenya’s ambitions—co-hosting CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027—his transfer sends a strong message: Kenyan football is producing talent capable of serving in elite European leagues. 

As Celta prepares its newest signing for his professional journey, fans back home will be eagerly watching as one of their brightest stars takes the first steps on a promising La Liga career.