Eze heads to Villarreal's reserve team on loan from Oviedo

Chukwuma Eze is leaving Real Oviedo on loan. The Nigerian centre-back, 22 years old, is heading to Villarreal's reserve team for the upcoming season, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. The Castellón-based club has secured a purchase option on the defender.

Another step in his development

Eze, who renewed with the Oviedo side just days ago until 2029, will look for minutes at Villarreal's reserve squad competing in Primera Federación. The defender arrived at Oviedo in the summer of 2021 from Nigeria's Ajuwa Academy, with which the Asturian club maintains a collaboration agreement. After making his debut with the senior team under Paunovic in 2025, he spent last season on loan at Avilés, also competing in the third tier.

Oviedo planning further moves

The Asturian side continues its restructuring ahead of the Segunda División campaign. Oviedo is looking to move on Luka Ilic, the Serbian midfielder signed last season who is not in Julián Calero's plans, as his wage is too high for the division. The club is not ruling out additional signings in the attacking department to complete their squad for the league campaign, which began with a goalless draw against Granada.