Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about his recent move to La Liga side Villarreal, emphasizing that it brings him closer to his aspiration of competing in the prestigious Champions League. Saliba was officially unveiled by Villarreal during a press conference held on Wednesday, where he signed a contract that extends until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will join forces with fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent club in Spanish football’s top division. The midfielder shared his gratitude for the opportunity to play in a top European league, highlighting the significance of hard work and dedication in his career development.
Expressing his eagerness to participate in the Champions League, Saliba described it as a dream shared by every player. He acknowledged the positive feedback he received about his new team and city from his compatriots, who praised Villarreal’s cohesive playing style and the welcoming environment within the club.
Villarreal, having secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, has earned a spot in the group stage of the upcoming 2026-27 Champions League campaign, commencing next month. The club began the current La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves in their upcoming fixture.
Saliba, aged 22, completed his transfer to Villarreal from Anderlecht, a Belgian outfit, after making two appearances with the team this season. During his tenure at Anderlecht, he showcased his scoring prowess with three goals in 34 Belgian Pro League matches last season. Prior to his European venture, Saliba amassed 78 appearances for Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal from 2023 to 2025, registering two goals.
Having represented Canada at the recent World Cup, Saliba made an impact by scoring a remarkable free-kick goal in his country’s resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver on June 18. In a poignant moment at the tournament, Saliba paid tribute to his injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying Kone’s jersey after the latter suffered a severe leg injury during the match.
Overall, Saliba’s transition to Villarreal marks a significant milestone in his career trajectory, propelling him towards his ambition of competing at the highest levels of European football.