Villarreal’s €10 million chase of Nathan Saliba tests Anderlecht

Villarreal are negotiating a possible transfer of Canadese midfielder Nathan Saliba from RSC Anderlecht, with a total package reported to be around €10 million, including bonuses, according to recent reports. The deal follows Saliba’s 50‑appearance spell at the Belgian club, where he has contributed five goals and two assists.

Why Villarreal see value in Saliba

Villarreal’s interest stems from Saliba’s proven record at Anderlecht, where he has amassed 50 appearances, scored five goals and supplied two assists, and has shown his quality on the international stage with a goal and two assists for Canada at the World Cup. Transfermarkt values him at €10 million, matching the reported package, and his contract runs to 2029, making him an attractive long‑term investment.

The midfielder’s absence from the Thursday line‑up for the Europese clash against Kairat Almaty was not injury‑related. Coach Vitor Bruno omitted Saliba after the player used his mobile phone during a team meeting, a breach of the squad’s internal rules. Het decision underscored Bruno’s strict discipline policy, and De club chose to enforce the rule despite the importance of the Europa League fixture.

Anderlecht’s 0‑3 victory over Kairat Almaty in Almaty secured a comfortable position for the return leg at Lotto Park, so Saliba’s exclusion did not affect the result. Voor the Belgian side, a sale could generate a significant profit, as they originally signed him last summer for roughly €2 million. The potential €10 million deal would therefore represent a substantial financial gain.

For Saliba, the disciplinary episode arrives at a moment when his future at Anderlecht is already in doubt. While the club entertains the Villarreal offer, the player must decide whether to embrace a new challenge abroad or remain in Brussels, where he has become a key figure. Volg the developments as negotiations progress.