Crystal Palace are poised to finalize the acquisition of Yeremy Pino from Villarreal, with the player already completing his medical in England, though Newcastle United were unexpectedly mentioned in the process last night.
The update was provided directly by Villarreal president Fernando Roig and confirmed by sporting director Miguel Ángel Tena, both speaking to Movistar Liga de Campeones.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Roig elaborated on the rationale for the transfer, acknowledging that Villarreal had been unable to secure a contract extension with the 21-year-old midfielder.
“His contract was due to expire in the coming years, we tried to renew it, we didn’t reach an agreement, and for the three parties this operation is interesting,” he said.
According to Roig, Villarreal had made three distinct efforts over the past two years to prolong Pino’s contract, but the financial demands exceeded the club’s budget.
Tena also verified that Pino was undergoing his medical in London on Thursday, adding: “When everything is Ok we’ll receive the signed contract, but we must wait a reasonable time for the deal to be completed.”
After outlining the reasons for the transfer, Roig deviated from his prepared remarks and mistakenly announced that Pino was joining Newcastle. The live-TV blunder was short-lived – Tena swiftly corrected him with a smile, ensuring Crystal Palace received due recognition for the deal rather than their unsuspecting Premier League counterparts.