Bernard Somuah has been named in Celta Vigo’s 25-man squad for the pre-season friendly against SC Braga, a clear sign that the Ghanaian forward is in line for an important chance as the club build towards the new campaign. The match in Portugal on Saturday July 18 will be one of the early markers of where he stands in Claudio Giráldez’s plans.
The 20-year-old joined Celta Fortuna on an initial loan deal and later turned that move into a permanent contract before signing a four-year deal. Last season, he helped Celta Fortuna to a successful run, and this latest call-up suggests he is now being considered as an expected candidate to fight for a place in the senior side ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Why the Braga friendly matters
Pre-season games can be easy to dismiss, but this one has a simple purpose for Celta: it is another step in preparing for the new La Liga season, while also giving fringe and emerging players a chance to make a case. For Somuah, that means the trip to SC Braga is more than just a run-out. It is an audition.
That is why the squad list matters. Being included in the 25-man group does not guarantee a senior breakthrough, but it does show that the staff want to see him in the environment of the first team. If he can take that opportunity, he could move closer to a more permanent place in the senior picture.
A bigger pre-season picture
Celta’s schedule will not stop with SC Braga. Before the start of the new La Liga season, they are also due to face Real Sporting, Academico de Viseu, Sassuolo and Napoli, which means there will be several chances for players to stand out across a demanding summer programme.
For now, the focus is on Portugal and the immediate test against SC Braga. The presentation match against Braga Vs Celta De Vigo at 19.30, as noted in the club’s pre-season build-up, is the first notable checkpoint for Somuah as he looks to turn promise into a senior role.
