MADRID, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Celta Vigo has begun an ambitious rebuild for the 2026-27 season by signing midfielder Aleix Febas on a free transfer from Elche.

Febas, 30, has signed a three-year deal through June 2029, just a week after announcing he would leave Elche when his contract expired at the end of the season.

The former Real Madrid youth player made 36 La Liga appearances for Elche last season, missing only two matches through suspension. He scored twice and provided two assists, but his influence went beyond those numbers. Febas was the linchpin of Elche's midfield and helped set the tempo for one of La Liga's most possession-oriented sides.

Elche has yet to name a coach for next season after Eder Sarabia announced last week that he was stepping down to take a break from coaching.

Celta finished sixth in La Liga this season and reached the Europa League quarterfinals. Its league finish secured a return to European competition next season for the club from northwestern Spain. ■