Pau Torres confirms Aston Villa future before planned Villarreal return

Aston Villa defender Pau Torres has revealed he intends to remain at Villa Park until the end of his contract before fulfilling his ambition of returning to Villarreal.

The Spain international, who joined Villa from his boyhood club in 2023, has ruled out an early exit and says his plan is to complete the final two years of his current deal before heading back to La Liga as a free agent.

Speaking on La Otra Podcast, the 29-year-old admitted he has already thought about how he wants the next stage of his career to unfold.

"If nothing goes wrong along the way, I think I'll see out the two years remaining on my contract, and that will mark the end of my time at Aston Villa."

Torres has become a key player under Unai Emery since arriving in the Premier League and insists he has no intention of leaving before his contract expires in 2028.

The centre-back also explained why he wants to return to Villarreal only after his Aston Villa contract ends.

"What I'd like is for Villarreal not to have to pay anything for me. For me to join as a free agent. It's the club of my life and I don't want them to spend money on signing me."

Torres added that he has already discussed the possibility with Villarreal president Fernando Roig.

"If the manager in charge at the time thinks I can make a contribution, I'd be delighted to return. It's something I've been thinking about and have discussed with Fernando Roig on occasion."

Torres is expected to remain a central figure in Aston Villa's defence over the next two seasons before reassessing his future in 2028. If his contract runs its course, Villarreal could have the opportunity to re-sign one of their most successful academy graduates without paying a transfer fee.

Should Pau Torres finish his career at Villarreal after his Aston Villa contract ends?