Nathan Saliba an option as Villarreal assess late-window midfield move | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Villarreal have held talks with Anderlecht over Canada midfielder Nathan Saliba, 22, as they explore strengthening central midfield. The operation remains far from agreed.

Saliba is among favoured candidates at La Cerámica, though not the only one, with multiple avenues kept open until the final days. The aim, if the right chance appears, is to add a fifth midfielder. Iñigo Pérez currently has Pape Gueye, Santi Comesaña, Carlos Maciá and Alassane Diatta for that role.

The approach reflects Villarreal’s stance of working without haste while leaving the squad open. Saliba offers a different profile and fits the club’s policy of investing in young players with scope to grow and potentially gain value.

Born in Longueuil, Quebec, he came through CF Montréal and played 68 senior matches before joining Anderlecht in summer 2025. He signed until June 2029 and was noted in Montréal for ball-winning, technique and leadership, wearing the armband despite his age. He was named Canada’s young player of the year in 2024.

His valuation has climbed in Europe, with Transfermarkt listing him at 7.5 million euros. He is a full Canada international and featured at the 2026 World Cup. The player is open to Villarreal, but Anderlecht are under no pressure to sell and would need a compelling proposal.

Villarreal continue to scan options after links to Luis Milla and Guido Rodríguez and other opportunities that did not fit. Outgoings are also in play, with Willy Kambwala having options to leave for minutes, while Osasuna and Como monitor his situation.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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