Soccer-Canada's Buchanan makes Villarreal move permanent with five-year deal

FILE PHOTO: Jun 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Canada forward Tajon Buchanan (17) and Guatemala defender Stheven Robles (13) battle for the ball in the second half during a quarterfinal match of the 2025 Gold Cup at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images/ File Photo

(Reuters) -Versatile Canadian international Tajon Buchanan has made his move to Villarreal permanent on a five-year contract after joining the LaLiga club in February on loan from Inter Milan.

The 26-year-old, who primarily plays as a midfielder but can also be a winger, passed a medical on Tuesday, Villarreal said in a statement.

Media reports said Buchanan joined Villarreal for a fee of around nine million euros ($10.39 million).

Buchanan, who joined Inter in January 2024 from Club Brugge, made 13 LaLiga appearances for Villarreal, who finished fifth last season.

"He possesses physical power and speed when carrying the ball... with a knack for getting into scoring positions and the ability to provide assists," the Spanish side said.

Buchanan has also earned 51 caps for Canada.

Villarreal begin their LaLiga campaign on August 15 with a home game against Oviedo.

($1 = 0.8666 euros)

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in BengaluruEditing by Christian Radnedge)