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 presented by Villarreal during a press conference where he signed a deal that extends until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba is set to play alongside fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent team in Spanish football’s top division. Saliba emphasized the significance of playing in a top European league, viewing it as a testament to his hard work and dedication to development.
The midfielder expressed his eagerness to participate in the Champions League, highlighting it as a dream for every player. Saliba mentioned receiving positive feedback about his new club and city from his Canadian teammates, who spoke highly of Villarreal’s team dynamics and style of play.
Villarreal secured a third-place finish in the previous La Liga season, earning a spot in the group stage of the upcoming 2026-27 Champions League. The club began the current La Liga campaign with two draws and is preparing to face Deportivo Alaves next.
Saliba, aged 22, moved to Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he made a couple of appearances this season. His impressive track record includes three goals in 34 Belgian Pro League matches with Anderlecht last season. Prior to his European venture, Saliba showcased his talent in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal, accumulating 78 appearances and scoring twice from 2023 to 2025.
Having represented Canada at the recent World Cup, Saliba made a mark by scoring a free kick in Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar. In a poignant moment during the tournament, Saliba paid tribute to injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying his jersey after Kone suffered a severe leg injury due to a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
The promising midfielder is eager to embark on this new chapter with Villarreal and is enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead in his career.
