Pau Torres, a centre-back from Villarreal, has joined Aston Villa for an unknown sum.

Torres, 26, played for Villa between 2020 and 2023, under Villa manager Unai Emery.

The defender, who joined Villarreal’s development program in 2003, was instrumental in the Yellow Submarine’s fifth-place finish in La Liga last season.

He made 173 appearances for his childhood team, scoring 12 goals, and has represented Spain 23 times.

Torres made his Villarreal debut in 2016, becoming the club’s first player born in the small Valencian town in 13 years.

He soon established himself as a major member of the squad, helping the club win the 2021 Europa League with a penalty shootout triumph over Manchester United.

Torres earned his Spain debut in 2019 and has since competed in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

He is Aston Villa’s second summer acquisition, after the free transfer of Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans from relegated Leicester City.

Last season, Villa finished seventh in the Premier League, securing qualification for the Europa Conference League.