Villarreal 26/27 squad mapped out, midfield drives market and academy players in frame | OneFootball

Villarreal will begin pre-season with much in place, but the midfield will shape their window after the departures of Thomas Partey and Dani Parejo.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that Iñigo Pérez’s new project already has a clear structure, with a broad squad, several loanees returning and B-team players who could work with, and even remain in, the first team.

Goalkeeper is well stocked. Luiz Júnior, Diego Conde and Arnau Tenas are joined by Álex Quevedo, back from loan and initially the fourth choice.

In defence there is a mix of established names, youngsters and versatile profiles. At right-back, Alex Freeman is an option, as are Juan Foyth, Santiago Mouriño and Pau Navarro, centre-backs by trade who can also operate there.

Midfield is the most sensitive area. Santi Comesaña and Pape Gueye remain, although the Senegal international continues to attract interest, and the club must rebuild after losing Partey and Parejo, targeting a defensive midfielder and an organiser.

The attack looks varied. On the right there are Tajon Buchanan, Nicolas Pepe and Ilias Akhomach, while in central or second-striker roles Gerard Moreno, Ayoze Pérez, Alberto Moleiro and Hugo López stand out, the latter from the B team with a chance in pre-season.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo