Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about joining Villarreal in La Liga, emphasizing that it brings him closer to his ultimate goal of playing in the Champions League. Saliba was officially unveiled by Villarreal at a press conference, where he signed a contract until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Que., Saliba will be playing alongside Canadian compatriots Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent team in Spanish top-tier soccer. He highlighted the significance of competing in a top European league, stating that it validates his hard work and dedication to his development.
The midfielder also shared his eagerness to participate in the Champions League, considering it a dream for every player. Saliba mentioned receiving positive feedback about his new club and city from his fellow Canadians, who praised Villarreal’s playing style and team dynamics.
Villarreal, which secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, is set to embark on the league phase of the 2026-27 Champions League in the upcoming month. Saliba, aged 22, completed his move to Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he had a successful stint with notable performances.
Prior to his European venture, Saliba showcased his talents in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal, accumulating significant playing time and contributing to the team’s success. He also represented Canada at the recent World Cup, leaving a lasting impression by scoring a remarkable goal and demonstrating sportsmanship during a challenging moment in the tournament. Villarreal has commenced the current La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves in their upcoming fixture.