Villarreal set transfer plan, target a '6' and an '8' with Luis Milla the priority | OneFootball

Villarreal have set out their 2026/27 transfer plan, prioritising midfield surgery over a rebuild after the heavy spend in summer 2025, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo.

Carlos Romero returns from an Espanyol loan to replace Alfonso Pedraza at left-back. Focus shifts to midfield with Dani Parejo and Thomas Partey departing and uncertainty over Pape Gueye.

Gueye could draw major overseas bids, with the club pointing to his 40 million euros clause. If he stays, they want a '6' and an '8', one likely promoted from the academy, with Dani Requena, Alassane Diatta and Carlos Maciá in contention. A big outlay is only envisaged if Gueye must be replaced.

Luis Milla of Getafe is the priority. He has one year left and an agreed six million euros exit price with Ángel Torres that Villarreal aim to trim. An Al-Nassr offer exceeds their reach and, at 31, Milla could favour that, while Real Betis also want him.

Pathé Ciss of Rayo Vallecano is admired. He knows incoming coach Iñigo Pérez and can cover midfield and centre-back. At 32 with a 2027 deal a move could be workable, although Rayo are hard to deal with.

Antonio Blanco of Alavés has been offered but is a secondary option and costly given a contract to June 2027. Guido Rodríguez will be a free agent on 30 June after a Valencia loan, yet Premier League level wages make any deal unfeasible. Villarreal have not opened talks, and the summer may be long.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo