Villarreal have confirmed the signing of new goalkeeper Luiz Junior from Famalicao. The 23-year-old joins from Famalicao on a six-year deal until 2030.
The Brazilian came through the system at Famalicao, and became their number one in 2020, racking up 48 clean sheets since. Tall and imposing, he is set to compete with Diego Conde for the number one spot, although most expect him to play. Junior’s price is believed to be €12m.
Meanwhile Villarreal’s surprise first goalscorer of the season was Arnaut Danjuma, who looked something like his old self against Atletico Madrid. He became persona non grata at La Ceramica, after captain Raul Albiol reprimanded him in training two seasons ago, asking him for more commitment. Relevo say that he laughed in Albiol’s face, and immediately became ostracised by the heavyweights in the dressing room.
While his relationship with Albiol is still cold, Marcelino Garcia Toral sat both of them down and made them agree to put their issues behind them. The Villarreal manager has recruited Danjuma to the cause with his disciplined approach, and Marcelino himself has told the player that he will freeze him out if anything similar occurs again.
Villarreal will not risk another down season from Danjuma though, and even if they know brining in a replacement of similar quality is unlikely, with just two years left on his deal, they will consider offers for him. Lille, Olympique Lyon and Nottingham Forest are currently showing interest, but it remains to be seen if they will move for the 27-year-old.
Danjuma remains Villarreal’s most expensive signing ever from Bournemouth, costing them €23m. He looked good value for that initially, but his performances dropped off, and he showed little of the same form during loan spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.