Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba believes that his move to La Liga club Villarreal brings him closer to achieving his ambition of competing in the Champions League.
Villarreal officially welcomed Saliba during a press conference on Wednesday, confirming his contract that extends until 2031.
The Longueuil, Quebec native will join fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi at the club, which competes in Spain’s premier football league.
“This means a lot to me,” Saliba expressed regarding his participation in a leading European league. “It reinforces my belief that the journey I started, focused on hard work and daily commitment to my growth, is paying off.”
“I think playing in the Champions League is a dream for every player,” he continued. “I’m really eager for this opportunity. I feel this is an excellent progression in my career.”
Saliba mentioned that he received positive feedback about his new club and city from his fellow Canadians.
“Yes, they shared a lot with me,” he recalled. “They talked about the team, the city, and the club’s expectations.”
“They mentioned that I’d get to know a very talented group of players and that this is a team that genuinely enjoys playing football. So, there were many positive comments. I’m really excited to explore more.”
Last season, Villarreal secured third place in La Liga and earned a spot in the group stage of the 2026-27 Champions League, which kicks off next month.
The club began the 2026-27 La Liga season with two draws and is set to face Deportivo Alaves on Friday.
Saliba, 22, transfers to Villarreal from Belgian team Anderlecht, where he made two appearances this season. Last season, he netted three goals in 34 games in the Belgian Pro League with Anderlecht.
Prior to moving to Europe, Saliba made 78 appearances from 2023 to 2025 with CF Montreal in Major League Soccer, scoring twice.
Saliba represented Canada at this year’s World Cup and found the back of the net with a free kick as a substitute in his nation’s 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver on June 18.
In a memorable moment for Canada during the tournament, Saliba honored his teammate Ismael Kone by holding up his jersey after Kone suffered a serious leg injury due to a reckless tackle from Qatar’s Assim Madibo, requiring him to be taken off the field on a stretcher.