:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2196030/GYI0063974228.jpg)
Good morning everyone! Here's the morning Villarreal news update:
For a change, let's start with the Mini Submarine:
Jose Molina has agreed to coach Villarreal B next season, along with his preferred staff. No big surprise, but glad the agreement was reached.
As we've reported earlier Villarreal has picked up a few players mostly from Castellón who might make it into the B squad; we've been linked (along with not-so-super Depor) with Pablo Sarabia from Real Madrid's B team, which didn't make it through the Segunda B playoffs this season.
I have not seen or heard anything about Villarreal exercising Iago Falque's purchase option, and I don't know when the deadline is to do so. If anyone does, let us know!
Okay, now on to the A team.
Senna--no new offer, his agent says a renewal with Villarreal is looking difficult, Swansea are optimistic.
Juan Oriol is interesting Osasuna (now they've sold Montreal, they need a left back). The same article mentions Matilla, but Villarreal has held talks with Betis about his transfer, which seems more likely.
Rossi-- (we can't go a day without mentioning Rossi, can we?). As reported yesterday, Sr. Roig blew off Barca's lowball offer, so the Italians are back in the mix. According to rumor (as I have not seen either of these "offers" confirmed anywhere) Inter has offered €23 mil plus Pandev, Juventus €25 mil plus Sissoko.
However, at least one of those players says he's happy where he is, and remember Juventus won't be playing in Europe next season, plus who knows where the latest Italian match-fixing scandal is headed.
I'm thinking Rossi might want to pass on this scene for another year or so, especially since he's now making it into the national team though not playing in Serie A? just a thought.
Santi Cazorla--Liverpool's trial balloon hasn't gone anywhere, and they look likely to sign French midfielder Marveaux plus possibly Fernando Gago, who I thought might be a good fit for Villarreal but not at that price.
"Ambassador" Marchena is interviewed briefly in Marca, says the obvious about transfers and La Liga; Marca also states Sr. Roig's position (contradicting its earlier story that the Rossi "talks" with Barca went OK): Villarreal wishes only to sell one of its stars at most,for top money, and before July 10.
Finally, a few other items from "friends of Villarreal USA" you might want to check out:
If, like me, you're wondering how a team like Betis in bankruptcy can make an offer to buy a player like Matilla, spend an hour listening to the latest Forza Futbol podcast--you'll learn more about the Spanish Ley Concursal and how it works, among other things.
Tim Stannard writes a column for football365.com in addition to his "La Liga Loca" blog, and here's an article he did on tempting transfer targets from La Liga (none of them from Villarreal!)
And our sister blog devoted to things Barcelona is worth checking out for their perspective on the Rossi transfer scene, including this newly-published article with an arresting title!
FC Barcelona: Signing Giuseppe Rossi is a bad idea - Barca Blaugranes
Finally, and a special welcome to our new readers and members, and thanks to all of you for your comments and your support. All of us at Villarreal USA really appreciate it. Endavant Villarreal!!