Estonian champions Flora have confirmed that 17-year-old striker Andero Kaares has completed a move to Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.
The 17-year-old Kaares made his Premium Liiga debut on 14 September 2024 against Kuressaare at the age of just 15 years and 77 days. He also scored his first top-flight goal as a 15-year-old.
The striker made 28 league appearances, scoring two goals and assisting twice as Flora won the Estonian title last season and has continued to feature regularly under head coach Konstantin Vassiljev this year, making 13 league appearances so far.
“I am very happy to join a team like Villarreal CF. I’m really excited,” Kaares told the club’s media. “I have to give 110 per cent if I want everything to go well. There are many challenges ahead, but I have to face them with confidence, stay positive and everything will work out.”
The forward also thanked his boyhood club for helping him reach one of Europe’s top leagues. “I would like to thank FC Flora, all of my coaches and my teammates for all these years and the wonderful memories,” he said.
Flora sporting director Taavi Trasberg described the transfer as a major achievement for the club. “Andero’s move to Villarreal is a huge success for FC Flora. He is a great example of a player who progressed through our academy and first team before earning a transfer to one of Spain’s top clubs. On behalf of the entire Flora family, I wish him every success in the next stage of his career,” Trasberg said.
A few weeks ago, Kaares captained Estonia at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals, hosted in Estonia, and started all three group-stage matches.
Founded in 1923, Villarreal finished third in La Liga last season and won the UEFA Europa League in 2021.
Source: https://fcflora.ee/andero-kaares-siirdus-hispaania-korgliigaklubisse-villarreal-cf/
