Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement at joining Villarreal in La Liga, as it brings him one step closer to his goal of competing in the Champions League. The club officially presented Saliba during a press conference, announcing his contract extension until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be joining fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi in the prestigious Spanish soccer league. He emphasized the significance of playing in a top European league and fulfilling his dream of participating in the Champions League.
Saliba received positive feedback about his new team and city from his Canadian compatriots, who spoke highly of Villarreal’s playing style and camaraderie within the squad. Eager to explore more about his new surroundings, Saliba is looking forward to the upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Villarreal, who secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, is set to compete in the 2026-27 Champions League. The club has kicked off the new La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves next.
At 22 years old, Saliba transitions to Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he had a brief stint this season. His impressive track record includes three goals in 34 Belgian Pro League matches with Anderlecht last year and previous experience with Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal.
Saliba notably represented Canada in the recent World Cup, showcasing his talent with a goal against Qatar. His gesture of acknowledging his injured teammate Ismael Kone during the tournament exemplified his sportsmanship and team spirit.