Villarreal Close to Signing Rafa Marín from Napoli on Loan

Villarreal is getting ready to strengthen their defense by signing Rafa Marín from Napoli. The deal involves a €1 million loan fee, a €15 million buy option, and a 10% sell-on clause.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Villarreal is finishing talks with Napoli to bring in Rafa Marín. The 23-year-old defender moved to the Italian club from Real Madrid last summer. But he has found it hard to get playing time, with only 139 minutes in four Serie A matches. Marín wants regular football, and Villarreal needs help in defense. They finished fifth in La Liga and reached next season’s Champions League. The deal is likely to close next week, with the loan fee set at €1 million and a €15 million buy option. Napoli keeps a 10% future resale share.

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Rafa Marín was once a promising talent at Real Madrid and shone during his loan at Alavés in the 2023/24 season. However, his move to Napoli did not go well. Napoli won the league, but Marín rarely played. Villarreal needs him to compete on many fronts, including the Champions League. The deal allows Napoli to recover their €12 million investment from last year. The sell-on clause also secures future financial gains.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR VILLARREAL AND MARÍN?

Villarreal aims to finalize the deal and include Marín in their preseason under coach Marcelino. The team is set for Champions League football after finishing five points behind Atlético Madrid in La Liga. They led sixth-placed Real Sociedad by seven points. Marín plans to secure a starting spot and get the playing time he missed in Italy. Villarreal’s next game is their first match of the 2025/26 La Liga season. They hope Marín will help with their European and domestic goals. Villarreal’s transfers show their desire to stay competitive in both Spain and Europe next year.