The petition was launched by the online content hub Villarreal Report, which this week said the signing would be “an act of pure betrayal of the highest order” against the club’s supporters and Villarreal’s values. “The darkest day in the club’s history is drawing closer by the second,” it said on social media.

Villarreal have had a very busy summer so far, and that is set to continue with another signing coming in the door at La Ceramica.During the transfer window, Villarreal have been keen to bring in a