Tajon Buchanan Completes Permanent Move to Villarreal

Canadian international winger Tajon Buchanan has completed a permanent transfer to Spanish side Villarreal CF, signing a five-year contract with the La Liga club.

The 26-year-old from Brampton, Ontario, initially joined Villarreal on 1st February from Inter Milan on a season-long loan deal, which included an option to make the move permanent.

Buchanan had joined Inter in January 2024 from Belgian champions Club Brugge, but struggled for game time in a star-studded squad, making just 17 appearances. His progress was further hampered by a fractured leg sustained during training with Canada at the Copa América.

Despite the setback, Buchanan made history by becoming the first Canadian to score in Serie A, netting from the bench in Inter’s 5–0 victory over Frosinone in May 2024.

The permanent switch to Villarreal is expected to provide Buchanan with more consistent playing time in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Since arriving at the Spanish club, the dynamic winger has made 13 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists.

Speaking on the move, Buchanan said:
“I really enjoyed my football last season and truly felt part of the team. I want to be part of this journey going forward."

“It’s an amazing club — one that’s returning to the Champions League. I believe it deserves to be there.”

Villarreal, who play at the 23,000-capacity Estadio de la Cerámica, finished fifth in La Liga last season with a record of 20 wins, 8 draws, and 10 defeats.

Founded in 1923, Villarreal are nicknamed "The Yellow Submarine" due to their iconic yellow home kit. The club famously won the UEFA Europa League in May 2021, defeating Manchester United 11–10 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.

Buchanan underwent surgery in July 2024 to repair a fractured tibia, making his return to the Canadian national team in November during their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final clash with Suriname.

A key figure for Jesse Marsch’s side, Buchanan was part of Canada’s 2022 World Cup squad and has earned 51 caps (36 starts), scoring eight goals and registering seven assists.

He was selected ninth overall in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the New England Revolution. In 2021, he was runner-up to FC Dallas striker Ricardo Pepi for the MLS Young Player of the Year award, having posted career-best numbers in games played (27), starts (19), goals (eight), and assists (five) during his third MLS season.

Named Best Young Player at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Buchanan joined Club Brugge following the 2021 MLS campaign. He made 50 regular-season appearances for New England, recording 10 goals and nine assists.

Fellow Canadian international Cyle Larin, who plays for Mallorca, is also currently plying his trade in La Liga.