Carlos Maciá to take Villarreal No 16 after 1 September birthday | OneFootball

Carlos Maciá will swap Villarreal’s provisional 26 for a professional 16 on 1 September, his 18th birthday, after completing the required paperwork.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the club have reserved 16 for him for the 2026/27 season, with 26 used until he becomes eligible.

Competition rules require first-team numbers 1-25, with higher numbers for reserve-registered players, which currently applies to him.

The 26 should not be viewed as a reduced role. Villarreal regard Maciá as a first-team player and he worked through pre-season under Iñigo Pérez, featuring in the new coach’s rotations.

Born in Elche on 1 September 2008, he remains 17 for now, and the change will formalise the standing he already has within the squad.

When Villarreal confirmed squad numbers, two professional slots were left unassigned. One has been earmarked for Maciá, leaving only 24 available.

That remaining vacancy aligns with plans to strengthen midfield, as the club continue to pursue a central midfielder before the summer window closes. Numbers for Alberto Moleiro, Carlos Romero, Alassane Diatta, Rubén Gómez and Péter Gulácsi were also set.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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