Rafa Marín is officially a Villarreal player for the 2025/26 season, confirmed by an announcement from both Villarreal CF and SSC Napoli following his medical examinations and contract signing. The deal is structured as a loan with an option to buy, involving a loan fee of €1 million and a purchase option set at €15 million.
Marín, who made his Napoli debut on September 26 during a 5-0 Coppa Italia win against Palermo at the Maradona Stadium, played six matches for Napoli, starting in three of them. Napoli’s official website extended best wishes to the young defender as he embarks on this new chapter in Spain.
Upon arrival in Villarreal, Rafa expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am very happy to be here.” This transfer marks another move in Napoli’s ongoing squad reshaping, following recent sales including Natan to Real Betis and permanent transfers of Caprile and Gaetano to Cagliari. Meanwhile, Napoli continues to pursue defensive reinforcements, with Dutch defender Sam Beukema from Bologna reportedly close to joining the club.
This loan deal for Rafa Marín highlights Napoli’s strategy of developing young talents through strategic loans while managing squad depth. For Villarreal, acquiring Marín adds defensive options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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