Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba expressed his excitement about his recent move to La Liga side Villarreal, as it brings him closer to his goal of playing in the prestigious Champions League. Saliba was officially unveiled by Villarreal during a press conference held on Wednesday, where he signed a contract that extends until 2031.
Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba is set to team up with fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at Villarreal, a prominent club in Spanish football’s top division. Delighted about the opportunity to compete in a top European league, Saliba emphasized his dedication to hard work and continuous development that led him to this significant milestone.
Expressing his eagerness to compete in the Champions League, Saliba highlighted that it has always been a dream for every player. The Canadian midfielder also mentioned receiving positive feedback about his new club and city from his compatriots, who praised the team’s playing style and the welcoming environment within the club.
Villarreal, who secured a commendable third-place finish in La Liga last season, is gearing up for the upcoming 2026-27 Champions League campaign, commencing next month. The club recently began the current La Liga season with two draws and is preparing to face Deportivo Alaves in their next fixture.
Saliba, aged 22, made the switch to Villarreal from Belgian outfit Anderlecht, where he featured twice this season. In his previous campaign with Anderlecht, Saliba showcased his prowess by scoring three goals in 34 appearances in the Belgian Pro League. Before his European venture, Saliba amassed 78 appearances for Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal between 2023 and 2025, finding the back of the net twice.
Having represented Canada at the recent World Cup, Saliba left a mark by scoring a remarkable free-kick goal in his team’s 6-0 victory over Qatar. In a poignant moment during the tournament, Saliba paid tribute to his injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying his jersey after Kone suffered a serious leg injury due to a reckless tackle from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
Saliba’s move to Villarreal signifies a significant step forward in his career, as he looks forward to contributing to the club’s success and pursuing his aspirations of competing at the highest levels of European football.