Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about his move to Villarreal in La Liga, stating that it brings him one step closer to his goal of competing in the Champions League. Saliba was unveiled by Villarreal during a press conference where he signed a contract with the club until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be playing alongside fellow Canadians 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, emphasizing the hard work and dedication he has put into his career.
Saliba also shared that he received positive feedback about Villarreal and the city from his compatriots. He mentioned that they praised the team’s camaraderie and style of play, adding to his anticipation of joining the squad.
Villarreal, who secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, has earned a spot in the 2026-27 Champions League group stage, commencing next month. The club recently started the new La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves.
At 22 years old, Saliba made the switch to Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he had a limited number of appearances this season. During his time with Anderlecht last season, Saliba showcased his prowess by scoring three goals in 34 Belgian Pro League matches.
Prior to his European venture, Saliba showcased his talent in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal, featuring in 78 games from 2023 to 2025 and netting two goals. His standout performance for Canada at the recent World Cup included a memorable free-kick goal in a resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver. Saliba’s poignant gesture of holding up a teammate’s jersey in honor of an injured player marked a touching moment during the tournament.