Villarreal in advanced talks to sign Moroccan midfielder Bilal Nadir on free transfer

Villarreal CF are monitoring Moroccan midfielder Bilal Nadir as he approaches the end of his contract with Olympique de Marseille, according to reports.

Sports outlet Top Mercao claims discussions between the two parties are at an advanced stage, with the Liga side having already approved the proposed move.

The report adds that Villarreal are currently the club best placed to secure the 22-year-old’s signature.

Nadir’s contract with Marseille expires this year, opening the door to a potential free transfer during the summer window.

The Moroccan Olympic international has been on Villarreal’s radar for several months and now appears to be edging closer to a move to Spain following a four-and-a-half-year spell in France, including two seasons within the professional squad.

He joined Marseille in the summer of 2021 after leaving OGC Nice on a free transfer.

Since the start of the current campaign, Nadir has made 25 appearances in all competitions, starting seven matches.

The midfielder has contributed two goals in the Coupe de France and provided five assists across league and cup fixtures since last summer.

Despite those contributions, his playing time has declined over the past two seasons, largely due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained in his knee.

More recently, Nadir was not included in the squad selected by new Marseille coach Habib Beye for the home match against Lyon in the 24th round of Ligue 1.

At international level, Nadir was named in November 2023 among the 26 players selected for Morocco’s Olympic squad for friendly matches against Denmark and the United States.

With his contract entering its final months, Villarreal now appear poised to take advantage of the situation as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of next season.