Sevilla FC and Villarreal are in talks for a swap involving Rubén Vargas and Ilias Akhomach. The Seville club is looking for a young winger while Villarreal aims to strengthen their left flank.
Sevilla FC is in ongoing negotiations with Villarreal for a deal that could see Rubén Vargas join the Castellón side and bring Ilias Akhomach to Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. The partial swap, which would include a financial compensation, is one of the options both clubs are considering to strengthen their squads ahead of the winter transfer market.
Mutual interest and complementary profiles
Villarreal is seeking a left winger following the potential departure of Yeremy Pino and sees Vargas, 27, as the ideal profile. The Swiss international is noted for his physical power and defensive capability, as well as his experience in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Sevilla needs a game-changing player on the wings and considers Akhomach, 22, a future investment following his loan at Rayo Vallecano.
According to sources close to the negotiations, talks are progressing smoothly as both clubs maintain a strong business relationship and share compatible objectives. Villarreal is considering including Akhomach to reduce the cost of signing Vargas, which Sevilla has valued at 15 million euros.
Details of the mixed operation
The most viable formula involves a loan for Akhomach with an option to buy, accompanied by a cash payment for Vargas. The Catalan winger, under contract until 2028, showed progress in Vallecas and fits into the generational renewal that Sevilla is seeking on their wings. The Seville club needs to sell to generate income and strengthen other key positions, so this operation would ease their financial planning.
Vargas, for his part, prefers a destination in the Premier League, although he views the Villarreal option positively. The Swiss has performed well with his national team, especially in the last World Cup, and his international experience is a plus for the yellow team.
Context and next steps
The winter market looks busy for Sevilla, which is looking to balance their squad after an uneven start to the season. The operation with Villarreal is one of the most advanced, although the Nervionense club is not ruling out other alternatives. The coming weeks will be crucial to determine whether the swap materialises, as both parties need to adjust the figures and finalise the contractual details.
For Sevilla fans, the potential arrival of Akhomach would represent an offensive reinforcement with promise, while Vargas's departure would free up salary space. The club hopes to finalise the operation before the market closes to integrate the new player as soon as possible.

