Iñigo Pérez named Villarreal head coach on deal to 30 June 2029 | OneFootball

Villarreal have appointed Iñigo Pérez as head coach on a contract running to 30 June 2029, confirming the former Rayo Vallecano boss for the next three seasons.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that he will be unveiled on Tuesday 2 June at 18:30 at Club 1923 inside the Estadio de la Cerámica, an event for accredited media that will be streamed on Villarreal’s official social channels.

Pamplona-born Pérez has managed Rayo in La Liga, reaching the 25/26 UEFA Conference League final and equalling the club’s best top-flight finish, eighth, during 24/25.

His coaching career began at Rayo as Andoni Iraola’s assistant. Unable to follow Iraola to English football due to paperwork issues, he took charge in February 2024 after Francisco Rodríguez was dismissed.

As a player he represented Athletic Club, SD Huesca, RCD Mallorca, CD Numancia and CA Osasuna, where he retired in 2022.

Pérez plans to remain in Vila-real through the week to familiarise himself with the club’s facilities and staff. He will also be a regular at the Ciudad Deportiva Pamesa, the venue from Friday to Sunday for the 33rd Torneo Nacional Pamesa LaLiga FC Futures.

A lengthy summer awaits, with Villarreal anticipating fewer ins and outs than 2025. Pérez and the sporting department will shape a squad geared towards improving in the Champions League, with the target of at least the play-offs, aiming to replicate a league podium and push deeper in the Copa del Rey. Pre-season plans are being finalised, with part of the work likely in the Alps.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo