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Celta’s Bet on Ionut Radu Pays Off Despite Lack of Clean Sheets

Celta’s low-cost, data-led search identified the Romanian as a high-volume shot-stopper.

Overview

  • After nine league rounds, Radu ranks fourth in La Liga for saves with 30, including six against Real Sociedad, and he is stopping 73% of shots faced.
  • He has yet to record a clean sheet for Celta across nine league matches and 11 official games, underscoring ongoing defensive gaps.
  • Radu’s form followed heavy summer criticism after two errors in Portugal, with club figure Claudio publicly backing him throughout.
  • Celta moved on from Guaita and targeted cost-free goalkeepers from the top five leagues with high intervention metrics, selecting Radu after video analysis and live scouting.
  • Analysts highlight his quick hands, sound positioning and assured distribution, crediting mental resilience that has also earned him a Romania recall and a clean sheet against Austria.