A Historic Reinforcement for Villarreal’s Attack

The final day of the transfer window brought a landmark moment for Villarreal. The club confirmed the signing of Georges Mikautadze, a 24-year-old striker from Olympique Lyon, in a deal worth €30 million. With this move, the Georgian international became the club’s record signing, surpassing the €25.5 million paid for Paco Alcácer back in 2019.

The signing comes as part of a clear strategy to strengthen the attack ahead of a season in which the team will compete in the Champions League. Key departures such as Álex Baena, Thierno Barry, and especially Yeremy Pino, who joined Crystal Palace, provided the financial resources for the club to complete this high-profile move.

Negotiations and Farewell in Lyon

Bringing Mikautadze to Spain was not straightforward. Several Premier League clubs were also in the race, pushing Villarreal’s directors, led by Fernando Roig and Fernando Roig Negueroles, to travel directly to Lyon to close the deal. The agreement was finalized over the weekend after the player traveled to Valencia for his medical and signed a six-year contract through June 2031.

The striker then returned to Lyon to bid farewell to his teammates and fans during the French clásico against Marseille, where he received a warm tribute from both the squad and the supporters. It was a fitting send-off before beginning his new chapter in La Liga.

The First Georgian to Wear Villarreal’s Colors

Mikautadze will be the first Georgian footballer in Villarreal’s history and will wear the number 9 shirt, replacing Thierno Barry. His arrival underlines the club’s determination to compete at the highest level in Spain and Europe with a refreshed and ambitious squad.

For now, the forward will not join his new teammates immediately, as he has traveled to represent Georgia in World Cup qualifying matches against Turkey and Bulgaria. He is expected to link up with the squad next week and officially start his journey at La Cerámica.

The record-breaking signing of Mikautadze not only highlights the club’s biggest investment ever but also signals Villarreal’s intent to cement itself as a serious contender both domestically and on the European stage.