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 at a press event on Wednesday, having signed a contract with the club until 2031.

Hailing from Longueuil, Quebec, Saliba is set to join 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, stating that it validates his hard work and dedication to his development.

The midfielder also shared his eagerness to experience playing in the Champions League, describing it as a dream for every player. Saliba mentioned receiving positive feedback about Villarreal and the city from Buchanan and Oluwaseyi, noting the team’s strong camaraderie and passion for football.

Villarreal, who secured a third-place finish in La Liga last season, is gearing up for the upcoming Champions League campaign starting next month. The club began the current La Liga season with two draws and is preparing to face Deportivo Alaves in their next fixture.

Saliba, aged 22, transitions to Villarreal from Anderlecht in Belgium, where he made two appearances this season. During his time at Anderlecht last season, Saliba scored three goals in 34 games in the Belgian Pro League. Before his European venture, Saliba played for Major League Soccer’s CF Montreal, accumulating 78 appearances and two goals between 2023 and 2025.

Having represented Canada in the recent World Cup, Saliba notably scored a free kick in Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar. In a poignant moment at the tournament, Saliba paid tribute to his injured teammate Ismael Kone by displaying Kone’s jersey after his goal.