Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about his move to La Liga club Villarreal, as it brings him closer to his aspiration of competing in the Champions League. Saliba was officially unveiled by Villarreal during a press conference, where it was announced that he had signed a contract with the club until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be joining compatriots 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, highlighting the dedication and hard work he has put into his career development.
Expressing his eagerness to participate in the Champions League, Saliba mentioned that it is a dream shared by many players. He expressed his anticipation and described the move to Villarreal as a pivotal step in his professional journey.
Saliba shared that he received positive feedback about his new club and city from his fellow Canadians, who praised the team’s playing style and camaraderie. Villarreal, who finished third in La Liga last season, secured a spot in the upcoming Champions League league stage, set to kick off next month.
The 22-year-old midfielder, formerly of Belgian club Anderlecht, made a transfer to Villarreal after a successful stint in the Belgian Pro League, where he scored three goals in 34 appearances last season. Prior to his European venture, Saliba showcased his talent in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal, accumulating 78 appearances and two goals from 2023 to 2025.
Having represented Canada in the recent World Cup, Saliba left a mark by scoring a free kick in a match against Qatar. Notably, during the tournament, he paid tribute to his injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying Kone’s jersey after scoring a goal. Villarreal commenced the current La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves in their upcoming fixture.
