Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about joining Villarreal in La Liga, as it brings him closer to his goal of competing in the Champions League. Saliba was officially presented by Villarreal during a press conference where his contract was extended until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be playing alongside Canadian compatriots Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent Spanish top-tier club. Saliba shared his enthusiasm about playing in a top European league, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in his career development.
Looking ahead, Saliba eagerly anticipates the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Champions League, a dream shared by many players. He expressed his gratitude for the positive feedback he received about Villarreal and the city from fellow Canadians, highlighting the team’s camaraderie and passion for football.
Villarreal, having finished third in La Liga last season, secured a spot in the 2026-27 Champions League league phase. The club commenced the current La Liga season with two draws and is gearing up to face Deportivo Alaves next.
At 22 years old, Saliba joins Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he had notable performances, including three goals in 34 Belgian Pro League games last season. Prior to his European stint, Saliba showcased his skills in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal, accumulating 78 appearances and scoring twice from 2023-25.
Saliba also represented Canada in the recent World Cup, contributing a goal on a free kick during a match against Qatar. His sportsmanship was evident when he dedicated the goal to his injured teammate Ismael Kone, who suffered a serious leg injury during the game.
The promising midfielder is poised for a new chapter in his career with Villarreal, aiming to make significant strides in his professional journey.
