Villarreal have officially released former Barcelona right-back, as the club confirms his departure ahead of the January window.
The Yellow Submarine’s official statement thanks the defender for his professionalism amid Champions League pushes and domestic grind, wishing him success in future endeavors as Marcelino Garcia Toral reshapes the flanks for European survival.
This parting accelerates Villarreal’s winter refresh, blending youth retention with proven reinforcements amid mid-table La Liga skirmishes.
The player is Adrià Altimira, the ex-Barcelona youth product who joined Villarreal from FC Andorra in 2023, logging 22 first-team outings across 2023-26, including a La Liga debut and sporadic starts before a 2024/25 Leganés loan yielded 22 top-flight appearances without dislodging the pecking order, as per the official Villarreal statement.
Altimira’s pacey overlaps, crossing accuracy, and defensive bite teased potential—highlighted by Segunda contributions—but injuries and depth chart battles curbed breakthroughs, prompting the amicable split post his June 2024 extension to 2026.
Now a free agent valued at €1.4 million, he eyes Segunda or abroad moves to reignite his trajectory.
Villarreal’s move signals ruthlessness: Altimira’s peripheral role behind Kiko Femenía and Juan Foyth clashed with Marcelino’s high-intensity demands, especially after Leganés’ relegation scrap exposed adaptation gaps.
The club—fourth in La Liga, eyeing Europa League quarters—prioritizes fluidity, with Altimira’s exit unlocking wage space for targets like a versatile wing-back.
Altimira’s path forks—Segunda promotion chasers like rivals Espanyol or Levante tempt, or Championship loans beckon for Premier League scouting.
Barcelona ties linger nostalgically, but no return whispers emerge amid Hansi Flick’s stacked right-back options.
This release underscores La Liga’s churn: promise meets pragmatism, launching Altimira’s reset while Villarreal steels for title outsiders Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Yellow faithful pivot forward, but Altimira’s hustle leaves a quiet nod.
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