Farewell to the Battler

Jaume Costa, known (here, anyway) as the “Battler” for his willingness to get stuck in to physical challenges, has joined our neighbors Valencia CF on a season-long loan. There is no purchase option.

This one is tough for many fans to swallow; Jaume had been a part of Villarreal’s first team going back to the 2012-13 season, and before that played for the B team for two years. He is a Valencia native and came up in their system—and actually made his first team debut in a UEFA Cup tie (!) in 2008 against Club Brugge, his only appearance for Los Che. He joined Cadiz on loan, then switched one Yellow Submarine for another—he joined us on a free transfer in August 2010.

It has to be admitted that last year was not his best, and he clearly didn’t seem to be in Javi Calleja’s plans this season. He’ll turn 32 in June, with another year remaining on his contract, but it’s hard to see him coming back to Villarreal and finishing out that year. Battling Jaume Costa, we have enjoyed you and your willingness to give it all for the Submarine. (He’s been active on twitter with fans, too, in good ways).

Jaume’s overall stats are 243 games with Villarreal, 5 goals, and 18 assists. He amassed 88 yellow cards (one every two and one half matches; they seemed to happen oftener, didn’t they?) and two reds, both in the Europa League. Jaume—we wish you a good season, except against us.