Villarreal agree €15m deal to sign Nathan Saliba from Anderlecht

Villarreal have agreed a €15 million deal to sign Canada midfielder Nathan Saliba from Anderlecht, accelerating a move that had originally been viewed as part of the club’s longer-term recruitment plans.

According to AS, the 22-year-old is expected to arrive in Villarreal within hours and sign a five-year contract once the remaining formalities are completed. An official announcement from either club is still pending.

The agreement represents a significant investment in a position Villarreal had identified for further reinforcement before the transfer deadline. The club initially considered adding a more experienced midfielder but have instead prioritised Saliba’s development potential and long-term value.

Saliba joined Anderlecht from CF Montréal in June 2025 on a contract running until 2029. The Belgian club described him at the time as a midfielder with strong ball-winning qualities, technical security and leadership despite his age.

His progress in Belgium also strengthened his position with Canada. Saliba was selected for the country’s 2026 World Cup squad and featured during the tournament, adding senior international experience before a potential move to La Liga.

Villarreal already have two of Saliba’s Canada team-mates in Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi, giving the midfielder familiar faces as he adapts to Spanish football.

The move fits a broader recruitment strategy based on acquiring players capable of contributing immediately while retaining significant resale value. Saliba, who began his professional career in Montréal before moving to Europe, now appears set to become the latest example of that approach.

The transfer is not yet official, but with the fee and contract structure reported as agreed, Villarreal are now waiting only on the final administrative steps before adding Saliba to their midfield.