Hellas Verona Secures Unai Núñez on Loan from Celta Vigo with €5 Million Option to Buy
Hellas Verona have officially bolstered their defense by signing Spanish international centre-back Unai Núñez Gestoso on a season-long loan from Celta Vigo, featuring an option to make the deal permanent for €5 million. This move marks Núñez’s first professional venture into Italy’s Serie A, bringing valuable La Liga and European competition experience to Verona’s backline.
From Bilbao to Celta Vigo – and Now Serie A
Unai Núñez, 28, is a product of the prestigious Athletic Club Bilbao academy, where he developed his defensive skills before moving to Celta Vigo in 2022. Initially joining on loan, Núñez’s transfer was made permanent after Celta paid €7 million. He spent the 2024-2025 season back on loan at Athletic Club, playing 10 La Liga matches and contributing defensively with 10 tackles, 17 interceptions, 46 clearances, and four blocks, helping achieve two clean sheets. He also featured in the UEFA Europa League semi-final, underlining his European pedigree.
Despite limited appearances as a starter, Núñez showed consistent defensive solidity, making him a coveted asset as Hellas Verona looks to reinforce their ranks.
Verona’s Defensive Revamp Strategy
Verona face significant challenges in defense after the departures of Pawel Dawidowicz and Diego Coppola, with potential exits such as Daniele Ghilardi still looming. In this context, Núñez’s signing is strategic. He is expected to compete strongly for a starting centre-back role and provide stability at the back.
This deal aligns with Verona’s broader recruitment plans, highlighted by the recent acquisition of 21-year-old Spanish midfielder Yellu Santiago, a free agent from Getafe, showing the club’s intent to inject Spanish quality into their squad.
Loan with Option to Buy: Flexibility for Verona
The loan agreement includes an option to purchase Núñez permanently for €5 million at the end of the season. This offers Verona flexibility to evaluate Núñez’s adaptation to Serie A before committing fully. From Celta Vigo’s perspective, it is a continuation of a plan to give the player competitive playing time, enhancing his value or allowing a potential profitable transfer.
Unai Núñez also brings international experience, having earned a senior cap for Spain in 2019 shortly after starring in Spain’s victorious European Under-21 Championship campaign.
What This Means for Serie A and Hellas Verona
Núñez’s arrival enriches Serie A with a defender accustomed to high-level competition, ready to face the tactical demands of Italian football. For Verona, this serves as a timely defensive boost to solidify their ambitions and address last season’s defensive gaps.
His prior European outings and solid statistical defensive contributions make him a player to watch as Verona embarks on this new season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Unai Núñez and what is his playing position?
Unai Núñez Gestoso is a 28-year-old Spanish international centre-back who developed at Athletic Club Bilbao’s academy before transferring to Celta Vigo and now joining Hellas Verona on loan.
What kind of transfer deal did Hellas Verona sign Núñez on?
Hellas Verona signed Núñez on a season-long loan from Celta Vigo, which includes an option to buy for €5 million at the end of the season.
What are Núñez’s recent performance highlights?
In the 2024-2025 season with Athletic Club, Núñez played 10 La Liga matches, making 10 tackles, 17 interceptions, 46 clearances, four blocks, and helped keep two clean sheets.
Why did Hellas Verona pursue Núñez?
Verona sought to strengthen their defense after losing key defenders Pawel Dawidowicz and Diego Coppola, with additional possible departures, making Núñez a vital signing to reinforce their backline.
Has Núñez played outside Spain before this move?
No, this transfer marks Núñez’s first professional stint outside Spain, joining Serie A for the 2025-2026 season.
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