Villarreal step up search for a midfielder, the final piece for Champions League | OneFootball

Villarreal have accelerated plans to sign a central midfielder for Íñigo Pérez’s squad. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, they want the deal done before one September at 23:59.

The squad lists 24 players and one free slot. Pape Gueye and Santi Comesaña anchor midfield, with academy pair Carlos Maciá, 17, and Alassane Diatta, 21, stepping up. An experienced option is deemed advisable for LaLiga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Villarreal intend to strengthen without rushing. The plan is to move steadily and exploit late-window opportunities.

A major outlay is not the initial idea for a player expected to lift the rotation rather than headline it. Preference is for a low-cost deal, via free agency, a loan or an affordable fee, ideally with LaLiga know-how.

As deadline pressure grows, surplus players at bigger clubs and those seeking minutes are expected to surface, with teams readier to negotiate loans or exits on improved terms. Villarreal aim to be well placed.

A second scenario remains open, with the club prepared to invest more if a high-calibre midfielder emerges, one with international profile and European experience.

Names linked include Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan, Antonio Blanco of Alavés, Hicham Boudaoui of Nice and Santiago Hezze of Olympiacos, though none of those avenues is active at present. The priority is to choose wisely, not sign for the sake of it.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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