Villarreal face goalkeeper shake up as Diego Conde and Arnau Tenas near exits | OneFootball

Villarreal’s goalkeeping unit is in flux, with Diego Conde close to leaving and Arnau Tenas considering a move. Luiz Júnior could soon be the only senior option.

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that Conde is close to joining Real Betis on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Talks are well advanced and he would compete with Álvaro Valles after Pau López asked to leave.

Conde arrived from Leganés in 2024 and began as first choice. A December injury and competition from Luiz Júnior and Tenas curtailed his minutes, and he featured only once, in the Copa del Rey, last season.

Tenas wants clarity on his place under Pérez while interest builds. Mallorca have made him a target to replace Leo Román, sold to Deportivo, and their coach Luis García Fernández has asked for him.

The clubs are discussing a loan with an obligation to buy if promoted, though salary terms remain an issue. Almería also want him and Levante are monitoring.

If both leave, Luiz Júnior would be the only senior goalkeeper. Signed from Famalicão in 2024, he has the inside track, but with LaLiga EA Sports, Copa del Rey and Champions League ahead the club would need another option.

An internal option is Rubén Gómez of Villarreal B. The 24-year-old from Alzira could step up as back-up during pre-season.

The first friendly is on Friday, 17 July, against Benfica at the Estadio Algarve in Faro at 20.45. It will offer early clues to Pérez’s plans while negotiations continue.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo