Saliba to Move to Villarreal After Breakthrough At 2026 World Cup

Summary:

• Nathan Saliba will reportedly transfer from Anderlecht to Villarreal after completing his medical and inking the deal.
• The 22-year-old had spent three MLS seasons with CF Montréal.
• Saliba will join fellow Canadians Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi in Spain.

Canada’s midfielder Nathan Saliba is getting ready to join La Liga side Villarreal CF from Anderlecht following a reported €15 million transfer, says transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The deal’s finalization depends on the player’s medical, followed by the signing of the new contract.

The move is a big step forward for the 22-year-old, who only spent a little more than a year in Belgium after leaving his hometown club, CF Montréal. 

He joined Anderlecht last year and recorded 50 appearances, scored five goals and provided two assists during his time with the Belgian club.

Villarreal had been connected to Saliba since earlier this month, with Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri first reporting the Spanish club’s interest on August 20. 

The fast-paced transfer will now see Nathan Saliba travel to Spain for his medical examinations before completing the move.

🚨🟡 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

From CF Montréal to La Liga

The transfer is another significant milestone in the career of the Longueuil, Quebec, native. Saliba spent three seasons in MLS with CF Montréal before making the move to European football.

His performances with Anderlecht helped him become an increasingly important part of Canada’s midfield. He was also part of Canada’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he made three appearances.

Saliba made a particularly memorable contribution during Canada’s tournament. After Ismaël Koné was injured against Qatar, Saliba came into midfield and scored, celebrating by holding up his teammates shirt and forming the shape of the number eight with his hands in tribute.

The transfer will now allow the player to step up in one of Europe’s major domestic leagues, with Villarreal finishing third in La Liga last season, securing its automatic qualification for the coveted Champions League.