Anastasios Douvikas has officially completed his transfer from RC Celta to Como 1907, with the deal valued at 14 million euros. This transfer marks the culmination of the Greek forward's efforts to move on from the Galician club after having expressed his desire to leave for several months.
The announcement came just before the winter transfer window closed, with Como making a late push to secure the striker. Initially, Celta management had believed the transfer window would close without any major surprises, but the persistence of Douvikas, who even refused to travel with the team for key matches, prompted Celta to reconsider their stance.
According to various sources, Douvikas's departure is significant, not only due to the transfer fee exceeding what Celta originally paid for him but also for the player himself, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with his playing time. The 25-year-old striker, who joined Celta from FC Utrecht just 18 months ago, managed to score 18 goals and provide four assists during his 58 appearances for the club.
The final offer from Como, reported to be around 14 million euros, was higher than previous offers Celta had received. Earlier, they turned down bids of 9 million euros from other clubs, including Lens, demonstrating their initial reluctance to part ways with one of their key players.
Despite these refusals, the interest from Como, led by former Spanish national team player Cesc Fàbregas, proved too strong to resist. Fàbregas's team recognized the potential of Douvikas as they looked to strengthen their squad. This transfer was seen as both urgent and necessary, with Celta scouting the market for potential replacements even as they finalized the deal.
Reports indicated Douvikas's strong desire to secure more consistent playing time, leading to increasing frustration during his tenure at Celta. His notable absence from high-profile matches, particularly the Copa del Rey matchup against Real Madrid, underscored his determination to leave Vigo.
Celta had initially aimed to keep the player until the end of the season, but after extensive deliberations and under pressure from Douvikas, they opted to cash out instead. The Galician club's leadership expressed gratitude for his contributions over the past year-and-a-half and wished him success at Como.
Celta's sporting director, Marco Garcés, acknowledged the shift in plans as the transfer deadline approached, stating, "We had to act quickly to secure our own future. Douvikas has been instrumental, but his wish to leave was clear, and we could not ignore it."
This move opens new possibilities for Douvikas, who will now be part of the Serie A squad where he aims to reinvigorate his career. The transfer also compels Celta to act swiftly on the transfer market to find another player capable of filling the significant void left by Douvikas. The club's challenge now is to replace his offensive capabilities before the window fully closes.
With this transaction, Douvikas not only embarks on a new chapter of his career but also marks his position as one of the valuable assets exchanged this winter. It showcases the volatility and excitement surrounding the transfer market, especially as clubs look to either bolster their squads or release players no longer fitting their plans.
Overall, the deal between RC Celta and Como 1907 demonstrates how strategic player movements shape the dynamics of European football, particularly for clubs seeking to maintain competitiveness amid changing team structures. The consequences of Douvikas’ departure will be felt on both sides as they navigate the remainder of the season.