Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about joining La Liga side Villarreal, stating that it brings him closer to his goal of competing in the Champions League. Saliba was officially unveiled by Villarreal during a press conference, having signed a contract that extends until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be playing alongside compatriots Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent team in Spanish football. The midfielder emphasized the significance of playing in a top European league, underscoring the importance of hard work and dedication in his career development.
Expressing his aspirations, Saliba mentioned that participating in the Champions League is a dream shared by many players, and he eagerly anticipates the opportunity. Reflecting on feedback received from fellow Canadians, Saliba mentioned that they spoke highly of the club, the city, and the team dynamics, fueling his eagerness to explore further.
Villarreal, who secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, is set to feature in the upcoming 2026-27 Champions League. The team commenced the current La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves in their next fixture.
The 22-year-old Saliba joins Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he had a limited number of appearances this season. In the previous season, he showcased his talent with three goals in 34 games in the Belgian Pro League. Prior to his stint in Europe, Saliba amassed 78 appearances with Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal from 2023 to 2025, scoring twice.
Having represented Canada at the recent World Cup, Saliba left a mark by scoring a free kick in his team’s resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar. In a poignant gesture, Saliba paid tribute to his injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying Kone’s jersey following the goal, a moment that resonated with fans.