Thiago Fernández return tightens Villarreal’s non-EU quota and shapes a long summer window | OneFootball

Thiago Fernández’s return is shaping Villarreal’s summer, tightening the non-EU quota and reducing room to manoeuvre.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the 22-year-old Argentine left-sided midfielder re-joins after a loan at Oviedo. Spanish professional football typically allows three non-EU registrations, so his presence forces a careful reshuffle.

Fernández now sits alongside Alex Freeman and Tajon Buchanan in that bracket, with goalkeeper Luiz Júnior also in the frame. Tani Oluwaseyi does not count because he holds a Nigerian passport. Any further non-EU signing would first require an exit.

Villarreal see Fernández as a long-term investment, contracted until 2031. He posted four assists in 16 games in the second half of the season.

Right-back Freeman, 22 in August and tied to 2032, has nine appearances and 340 minutes since February. He will play at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Buchanan, first on loan from Inter then bought, is under contract to 2030 and has seven league goals and one assist in 34 outings, including a matchday two hat-trick. He will also be at the World Cup.

Luiz Júnior cost €12 million in August 2024 and is signed to 2030, with 28 league and five Champions League appearances before finishing the campaign on the bench for the final seven rounds. New head coach Iñigo Pérez will help shape decisions on loans, exits and registrations during a long summer.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo