Key Takeaways:
- Villarreal confirmed the €30 million signing of Georges Mikautadze from Olympique Lyon on the final day of the transfer window
- The Georgian forward signed a six-year contract through June 2031, becoming the club’s most expensive acquisition, surpassing the €25.5 million spent on Paco Alcácer in 2019
- Mikautadze will become the first Georgian to represent Villarreal and is set to join after the World Cup qualifiers
Record Investment to Strengthen Villarreal’s Attack
Villarreal made headlines on the final day of the transfer window by securing the services of Georges Mikautadze from Lyon for a fee of €30 million. This acquisition represents a historic moment for the Spanish side, eclipsing their previous transfer record of €25.5 million paid to sign Paco Alcácer in 2019.
The 24-year-old striker arrives as part of a planned reinforcement of Villarreal’s attack, a key focus ahead of a demanding season in which the club will compete in the Champions League. The deal has been facilitated by notable departures during the window, including Álex Baena, Thierno Barry, and Yeremy Pino, with Pino’s transfer to Crystal Palace playing a significant role in generating the funds required for Mikautadze’s arrival.
🚨🇬🇪 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Villarreal sign Georges Mikautadze (24) from Lyon! €30m fee. 🟡⚡️ pic.twitter.com/YD8h0LLoX1
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 1, 2025
Negotiation Process and Emotional Farewell
The signing was the culmination of a challenging negotiation, as several Premier League clubs were also vying for the Georgian international. Villarreal’s senior officials, Fernando Roig and Fernando Roig Negueroles, made the journey to Lyon to finalise terms directly. The transaction was completed over the weekend, with Mikautadze travelling to Valencia for his medical examination before committing to a six-year contract running until June 2031.
Following his signature, Mikautadze returned to Lyon to say goodbye to his teammates and supporters during the French clásico against Marseille. The forward received an enthusiastic send-off, including tributes from both the squad and the fans, marking the end of his stint in Ligue 1.
Mikautadze Makes History as Villarreal’s First Georgian Player
By joining Villarreal, Mikautadze will become the first Georgian footballer in the club’s history. He is set to inherit the number 9 shirt previously worn by Thierno Barry, further underlining the club’s ambitions to strengthen its attacking options and compete at the highest levels in both Spain and Europe.
For the time being, Mikautadze will not immediately join his new club, as he has travelled to participate in Georgia’s World Cup qualification fixtures against Turkey and Bulgaria. His integration into the Villarreal squad is expected next week, at which point he will commence his journey at La Cerámica.
| Player | Age | From Club | Transfer Fee (€) | Contract End | Shirt Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georges Mikautadze | 24 | Olympique Lyon | 30,000,000 | June 2031 | 9 |
Implications for the Season Ahead
This record-breaking move not only signals a new era in Villarreal’s transfer strategy but also highlights the club’s clear aspirations to establish itself as a major force in both La Liga and continental competitions. With Mikautadze poised to spearhead their attacking line-up, Villarreal seek to harness their revamped squad as they pursue success domestically and in the Champions League.
