David Villa's strong form for New York City FC this season has several clubs in his native land interested in bringing him over on a winter loan, but the chances of that happening do not seem high.
Villa told El Murcielago on Levante TV that a short-term return to Spain before the start of the 2016 MLS season is a possibility, especially since La Liga clubs have been inquiring about such a move in the aftermath of NYCFC's elimination from postseason contention.
“Since it became mathematically impossible to make the playoffs, there have been calls from all over the place,” Villa said. “Well, not calling directly, but the hypothetical case of a loan move has been made. I mean, the truth is that there are a lot of rumors coming from everywhere, but there is nothing concrete.”
What could stand in the way of a short-term move to Spain is that Villa, 33, is expected to be with NYCFC at the start of preseason in late January. Players like David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry have previously skipped their club's preseason camps to play in Europe during the winter, but it is a case-by-case situation.
“I’ve not even analyzed the idea of going on loan, though, because I don’t know if it’s a real possibility,” Villa said. “Right now, I want to finish the season well. I don’t know if it would be the best decision for the club, who want me to rest and be ready to return on January 21.”
In his first season in MLS, Villa has scored 17 goals and assisted on eight more in 28 appearances for expansion side NYCFC.
