Villarreal Set to Announce New Coach, Poaching from a Rival

Spanish media reports indicate he is set to sign a three-year contract with Villarreal. The team finished 3rd in La Liga and will compete in the Champions League for the second consecutive season in 2026/2027.

Former midfielder Perez retired from playing in 2022. He will replace Marcelino, who announced at the end of the 2025/2026 season that he would not continue with the club.

Under Perez's guidance, Rayo Vallecano reached the Conference League final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Perez initially served as assistant to Andoni Iraola at the club before taking over as head coach in 2024. Villarreal is expected to officially unveil their new coach on Tuesday.