Villarreal close the signing of Nathan Saliba for 15 million: this is their new bet

Villarreal CF

The Villarreal CF is one step away from adding a new piece to its midfield. As Fabrizio Romano, one of the most reliable sources in the transfer market, has confirmed, the Castellon club has reached an agreement with Anderlecht for the transfer of Nathan Saliba.

The deal is believed to have been closed for a figure close to 15 million euros. The Italian journalist has already uttered his well-known “here we go”, although the signing still needs to complete the final usual steps: the player will travel to undergo the medical check and then sign his new contract.

Who is Nathan Saliba?

Nathan-Dylan Saliba is a Canadian midfielder born in Longueuil on February 7, 2004. He developed through the youth ranks of CF Montréal, the club for which he played 68 matches before making the jump to European football in the summer of 2025.

Anderlecht then moved for him and signed him up until 2029. Barely a season later, Villarreal would be willing to make a major investment in a player who has experienced meteoric progress both in Belgium and with the Canadian national team.

Saliba was named Canada's best young player in 2024 and is already a full international. At the last World Cup, he produced one of the standout images from his side by scoring a direct free-kick in the 6-0 win over Qatar.

A physical, dynamic midfielder with plenty of mileage

The future Yellow player mainly operates as a central midfielder, although he can also take up a more defensive role. He stands out for his ability to cover ground, press, contest duels and win back possession, but he is not only a destroyer-type player.

Saliba also offers good carrying, the personality to receive under pressure, and the ability to break lines with passes or bursts forward. He is a midfielder with plenty of mileage, closer to the profile of a “box to box” than that of a creative attacking midfielder or a pure positional pivot.

His arrival would give Villarreal energy, physical power and depth in a season that is especially demanding. What is more, at just 22 years old, the club believes he still has plenty of room to grow and could see further future revaluation.

What can we expect from Saliba in Fantasy terms?

The 15 million euros investment shows that Villarreal does not see this as a secondary signing. That said, we will have to wait to see how he adapts, his final position, and where he initially fits into the rotation.

Based on his characteristics, he could be an interesting option in scoring systems that reward recoveries, duels won and consistent involvement. However, his goal numbers do not suggest that he will be an especially explosive midfielder for points from day one.

In Fantasy terms, our initial recommendation would be to act with caution. His youth, the transfer price and his status as a Canadian international make him an attractive bet, but it is worth checking first how he fits into the Yellow system and whether he starts by going straight into the XI.

Unless something unexpected happens during the medical check, Villarreal will have a new midfielder very soon. And Nathan Saliba, who until now has been unknown to a large part of Fantasy users, will go on to become one of the names you will need to keep an eye on over the coming matchdays.

🚨🟡 Villarreal agree deal to sign Canada international midfielder Nathan Saliba, here we go!

Deal done for €15m fee from Anderlecht.

22 year old midfielder set to travel for medical tests and contract signing. 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/CrsmotkKNr

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 25, 2026