Eight key points behind Villarreal’s signing of Nathan Saliba | OneFootball

Villarreal have secured their priority midfield target, with Nathan-Dylan Saliba joining from Anderlecht. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the 22-year-old Canada international costs 15 million euros fixed, plus add-ons and a sell-on, below Anderlecht’s near-20 million stance.

He has signed for five seasons, to 30 June 2031. Villarreal are banking on peak years, immediate contribution and resale potential.

This was no late scramble. The club tracked him at CF Montréal, then assessed him in Anderlecht’s tougher European setting, where he emerged as the preferred option.

His game is energy, ball recovery and verticality. He covers ground, presses aggressively and carries forward after regaining possession.

That suits Iñigo Pérez’s plan to defend high and regain the ball near goal. With LaLiga EA Sports, Copa del Rey and Champions League, the midfield pair could be rotated between fixtures.

Saliba joins Pape Gueye and Santi Comesaña, with Alassane Diatta and Carlos Maciá promoted from the B team. Villarreal still back the youngsters but want a gentler adaptation. Saliba is 22 yet brings European experience and a World Cup.

He arrives ready, having returned to Anderlecht after the World Cup and logged minutes this season. He will link up immediately and begin training, accelerating his integration.

Team-mates Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi should aid adaptation. His Haitian passport means he will not take a non-EU spot.

The squad is now close to complete. Attention centres on resolving Willy Kambwala’s exit, with Como the most advanced option.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”