Villarreal tie Carlos Maciá to 2031 as teenage midfielder joins first-team plans | OneFootball

Villarreal have secured 17-year-old midfielder Carlos Maciá on a new contract until June 2031. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, it adds two years to his 2029 deal and signals major faith in an academy standout.

The teenager is in pre-season with the first team under Iñigo Pérez after establishing himself for David Albelda’s Villarreal B in Primera Federación last term.

Promoted from youth level, he quickly impressed as a holding midfielder with calm passing under pressure. He ended the season on 25 appearances and over 2,100 minutes.

That run brought a La Liga debut and reinforced plans to integrate him gradually into the senior squad. The club see him as a future first-team option.

Coaches praise his reading of play and capacity to anchor, build from deep and win the ball. Inside Villarreal, some traits have been likened to Rodrigo Hernández, a stylistic nod rather than a direct comparison.

Midfield is being reshaped after Dani Parejo and Thomas Partey departed at contract end. With Dani Requena loaned to Levante, Pérez currently has four central options, Pape Gueye, Santi Comesaña, Carlos Maciá and Alassane Diatta.

The plan is for Maciá to train fully with the seniors, compete for minutes and be managed carefully. Villarreal do not rule out signing before the window closes, but only if the right sporting and financial chance appears, preferably a loan or free agent.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo