Nikita Iosifov Ends Villarreal Contract Amid Squad Changes
Russian forward Nikita Iosifov terminated his contract with Villarreal ahead of its expiry. The news was confirmed on Villarreal’s official channels. The deal, initially set to run until the summer of 2026, has been concluded early by mutual agreement.
The club statement wished success to all players in their upcoming professional journeys. In addition to Iosifov, several teammates also departed the squad, including Groge, Mige Leal, Adrian de la Fuente, Iker Goujon, and Gianni Cassaro.
Iosifov joined Villarreal in July 2021 after previously playing for Moscow Lokomotiv. During his time in Moscow, he appeared in six matches, including a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. He has represented Russia at youth levels as well.
His first appearance for Villarreal B came in the club’s second team, which competes in Spain’s primary second division. The striker made his senior debut for Villarreal in January 2022 by scoring a goal. Across that period he played two official matches for the first team. Transfer market valuations place Iosifov at around €800,000.
There have been earlier reports linking Valery Karpin with high regard for his work at Celta, describing him as a living legend in that context.
Overall, Iosifov’s exit marks a notable reshaping of Villarreal’s attacking options as the club adjusts its roster ahead of future campaigns. The move highlights how clubs continually manage contracts and player development to align with strategic goals and competitive requirements.
Source attributions: Transfermarkt for market valuation, official Villarreal communications for contract status and departures, and contemporary reporting on player career history and youth international appearances.