Enes Unal returns to Villarreal

As had been rumored for a few weeks, Enes Unal is returning to Villarreal. His loan to Levante resulted in some playing time (597 minutes), not surprising since Levante had to pay a fine to us if they didn’t play him.

Unal scored one goal, in his first match with the granotes, and notched an assist in his second match but didn’t do much after that. Whoscored has his efforts at 6.38 overall, which is not a lot different that Roberto Soriano, who is certainly having a less-than-stellar season.

Still, Unal’s got loads of ability, just needs experience, and with any luck can get some playing time with Bacca and Bakambu and a better supporting cast than Levante could offer. With Pau Torres essentially becoming our fourth centerback in the absence of Semedo, and now Unal returning as a third or fourth striker, Villarreal has made it clear they don’t think spending money in January is necessary to reinforce what is a good-looking squad overall.

Villarreal will be hoping that the January market is very quiet. Rumors circulate, as they do, about players such as Cedric Bakambu, Samu Castillejo, and Pablo Fornals, but historically Sr. Roig has been more willing to discuss big-money departures in the summer, not January.

January is a time for picking up bargains (Jeremy Perbet, Eric Bailly, etc.), moving on players we don’t really want at great money (Alexandre Pato), and making a few loans if need be. Watch this space.