Iñigo Pérez takes charge at Villarreal as pre-season opens after late Terrats exit | OneFootball

Iñigo Pérez leads his first Villarreal session on Thursday, starting pre-season on a three-year term. The campaign begins with Champions League ambition, an active market and a squad still short of final shape.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the squad take to the grass on 9 July 2026 after three days of medicals at José Manuel Llaneza. Around 16 first-team players work alongside academy prospects and others awaiting resolution.

It is an initial contact rather than a definitive picture. LaLiga is roughly six weeks away, with Racing at El Sardinero looming as the opener.

The World Cup will delay the return of up to seven internationals, Alex Freeman, Renato Veiga, Tani Oluwaseyi, Tajon Buchanan, Pape Gueye, Nicolas Pepe and Logan Costa. They are due at least 21 days off, so no firm comeback dates, forcing Pérez to start without a full group.

No signings have been presented so far, with loans returning, Carlos Romero, Thiago Fernández and Ilias Akhomach, bidding to earn places. The first friendly is on 17 July against Benfica in Portugal.

Key departures shape the summer, including Dani Parejo, Alfonso Pedraza, Thomas Partey, Alfon González and Rafa Marín. Another major question is Juan Foyth, recovering from an Achilles rupture on 24 January, with his progress dictating timelines.

Ramon Terrats has joined Getafe in a deal based on variables, with Villarreal retaining 50 percent of any future sale. The late exit trims Pérez's initial group and underlines the many moving parts.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo