Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about his move to Villarreal in La Liga, seeing it as a step closer to his goal of playing in the Champions League. The club officially presented Saliba at a press conference recently after securing him on a contract until 2031.
Originally from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba will be joining forces with his compatriots Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent team in Spanish football. Saliba emphasized the significance of playing in a top European league, highlighting his dedication to hard work and development throughout his career.
Thrilled about the prospect of competing in the Champions League, Saliba shared that his Canadian teammates had provided positive feedback about both the team and the city, setting high expectations for his experience at Villarreal. The midfielder is eager to immerse himself in the football culture of the club and build relationships with his new teammates.
Villarreal, who finished third in La Liga last season, has secured a spot in the upcoming Champions League campaign. The club recently kicked off the new La Liga season with two draws and is preparing to face Deportivo Alaves in their next fixture.
Saliba, aged 22, has made the transition to Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he had a successful stint last season, scoring three goals in 34 Belgian Pro League matches. Prior to his move to Europe, Saliba showcased his talent in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal, accumulating 78 appearances and two goals from 2023 to 2025.
His standout performance for Canada in the recent World Cup, where he scored a free-kick goal in a match against Qatar, further solidified Saliba’s reputation as a rising star in Canadian soccer. Additionally, Saliba’s touching tribute to his injured teammate Ismael Kone during the tournament resonated with fans worldwide, showcasing his sportsmanship and camaraderie on and off the field.