Nigerian defender Chukwuma Eze completes Villarreal loan move

Nigerian centre-back Chukwuma Eze, 22, has completed a season-long loan move from Real Oviedo to Villarreal. The switch covers the 2026/27 campaign, with the defender set to play for Villarreal B in Spain.

Villarreal confirmed Eze’s arrival as he takes another step in his development within Spanish football. The move gives him a new opportunity to compete for regular football while continuing to develop at centre-back.

Eze moved to Real Oviedo from Nigerian academy Ajuwa Academy in 2021. He then progressed through Oviedo’s youth ranks and gained experience through loan spells with CD Llanes, L’Entregu CF and Real Avilés.

His most recent temporary move was to Real Avilés, where he played 18 times last season. That spell added to his senior experience before the 22-year-old joined Villarreal’s reserve side for the new campaign.

Oviedo have also extended Eze’s contract, keeping him tied to the club until 2029. He made his first-team debut for the Spanish club against Levante in April 2025, giving him an early taste of senior football.

Eze’s arrival comes as Villarreal’s senior team sit fifth in LaLiga 2026 with one point from one match, after a 2-2 draw. Their recent five-match run has included wins over PSV Eindhoven and Atlético Madrid, alongside defeats by Benfica, Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla FC. The first team are scheduled to face Atlético Madrid on 23 August, while Eze begins his campaign with Villarreal B.