Napoli’s Rafa Marin is set to join Villarreal on loan, with the medical check scheduled for tomorrow, marking a key step in finalizing the transfer. The deal between Napoli and Villarreal is a loan agreement for just over €1 million, including an option to buy the Spanish defender for around €15 million, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources including Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport.
After a season with limited playing time at Napoli—just 6 appearances in Serie A and Coppa Italia—Marin seeks more consistent minutes back in Spain’s La Liga. Villarreal, aiming to strengthen their defense for the upcoming Champions League campaign, welcomed the signing following approval from Real Madrid, who hold a buy-back option for 2026 and 2027 at significantly higher fees.
The final bureaucratic steps are underway, with the medical examination scheduled for tomorrow. If Marin passes the medical without issues, he will officially join Villarreal and start preseason preparations under coach Marcelino. This move fulfills Villarreal’s request for defensive reinforcement after the departure of Bailly and fits Napoli’s plan to give the player more opportunities while maintaining a future option through the buy-back clause.
Key details of the transfer:
Type: Loan with option to buy
Loan fee: Just over €1 million
Option to buy: Around €15 million (not obligatory)
Player: Rafa Marin, Spanish central defender, born 2002
Previous club: Napoli (6 appearances in 2024-25 season)
Next step: Medical check tomorrow, followed by official signing
Real Madrid’s role: Holds buy-back option for 2026 (€25M) and 2027 (€35M)
Villarreal’s goal: Strengthen defense for Champions League season
This transfer is expected to be announced officially shortly after the medical clearance, providing Rafa Marin a fresh start in Spain and Villarreal a valuable addition to their backline.
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