Relegation always marks a turning point. For Villarreal CF Femenino, bidding farewell to Liga F and their subsequent campaign competing in the Primera Federación promotion playoffs made the demands of Spain’s second division abundantly clear. Rather than opting for a panic overhaul, the grogueta entity has chosen to approach the 2026/27 season under a firm premise: to build their structure on a foundation of youth academy players and continuity, without lowering their ambition of returning to play among the country’s elite.
To steer this journey from the bench, the club maintains its trust in Jordi Ferriols. The Valencian manager knows the section’s internal dynamics and the quirks of a highly contested division inside out. His task will not be limited to seeking immediate victories; he must guide the transition of several promising talents developed at Miralcamp into the rigor of professional football.
Continuity at the back and security in goal
Villarreal’s planning has prioritised maintaining solidity in key areas of the pitch. In the defensive line, the renewal of Irene Miguélez until 2027 is a statement of intent. Despite her youth, the centre-back represents the team’s competitive memory in the top flight and is destined to lead the defence. Her presence guarantees tactical consistency and clean ball distribution, essential qualities for a team that aims to take the initiative in most of its fixtures.
The goalkeeper position will also benefit from stability thanks to the retention of its two main assets. Montse Quesada and Mar Segarra will continue to defend the groguet goal. The healthy competition between the two goalkeepers was one of the team’s strong points last campaign and provides Ferriols with the peace of mind of having two reliable options for a demanding 26-game season.
In attack, the continuity of forward Lauris ensures goal-scoring threat and defensive work rate. Her mobility and link-up play will be crucial for fitting new pieces into the Yellow Submarine’s attacking schemes.
Anticipated returns and fresh blood from Miralcamp
The summer market has brought significant moves to shape the 2026/27 squad. The most notable return is that of Vera Rico. The forward, trained in Villarreal’s youth academy, returns home after gaining competitive experience in other second-tier projects like SE AEM and Real Oviedo. Her return provides a physical box presence and a profile that knows the club’s values firsthand.
Additionally, the club has signed Montse Alabart on loan, looking to add dynamism and energy to the midfield. Conversely, the squad bid farewell to six players who completed their cycle at the entity: Lucía Gómez, Martuka, Marta Estupiñán, Claudia Enseñat, Danna Pesantez, and Simona Meijer. These departures clear the way for home-grown players to step forward.
The true essence of this Villarreal will reside in its decisive commitment to the academy. Players like Zuzanna Sadej, Adriana Casanova, and Andrea Catalá have extended their contracts and will be fully integrated into the first-team dynamics and matchday squads. Their promotion is not symbolic; the sporting department trusts them to bring the hunger and energy needed to sustain the pace of a grueling competition.
The Yellow Submarine will begin testing its strength on the weekend of September 13, 2026, away against CD Tenerife B. A demanding debut against a reserve side that will serve to test the blend of Miralcamp’s youth and the experience of a block designed, above all, to sail steadily toward promotion.
