“The Manchester City thing…” – La Liga star shares view on latest transfer claims
by Naveen Ullal · Sport WitnessVillarreal’s Alberto Moleiro has talked recent transfer links with Manchester City.
The 22-year-old is a product of UD Las Palmas’ academy and made his way into their first team in 2021. He spent four years there and left for Villarreal in July 2025.
During his time at Las Palmas, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Manchester City and Barcelona had pursued him.
The Premier League side wouldn’t have made advances back then, while Villarreal secured his services last summer.
Yellow Submarine manager Marcelino has regularly utilised the winger this season and his La Liga stats are as follows:
- Appearances: 29
- Starts: 25
- Total minutes: 1,975
- Goals: 9
- Assists: 4
- Goal conversion: 23%
- Big chances missed: 5
Manchester City transfer claims addressed
Alberto Moleiro has been speaking to influencer Adri Contreras. He posted a Q&A with the Villarreal player on his TikTok channel and Estadio Deportivo have relayed his comments.
Estadio points out rumours of Pep Guardiola’s side wanting to sign him last summer, after he moved to Villarreal. His response to the Manchester City links were ‘immediate and emphatic’.
“The Manchester City thing is 100% false,” he said.
Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are other Premier League sides that showed interest. In May 2025, Sport Witness had relayed news of the Gunners and Eddie Howe’s side had followed him. This was before he made a switch to Villarreal.
When asked about these three clubs, Moleiro explained: “I have no idea… I think it’s false.”
For now, he completely ruled out a move to the Premier League. The player also went on to dismiss claims of interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
However, the attacker did confirm Celta Vigo’s failed attempt to sign him. In addition to this, Barcelona also tried but didn’t make advances by submitting an offer.
Our take: Villarreal move worked out
Alberto Moleiro’s decision to join Villarreal has gone well so far as he’s enjoying regular minutes and also impressing on the pitch. His value has also improved.
He has a contract until 2030 and Transfermarkt value him at €40m, a €15m jump since changing clubs last summer.