RCD Mallorca has finalised the loan of Arnau Tenas from Villarreal for the 2026/27 season. The goalkeeper, trained at La Masia and with Champions League experience, will be key in Luis García's system.
RCD Mallorca has officially announced the arrival of Arnau Tenas, loaned from Villarreal CF for the 2026/27 season, with the aim of strengthening the goalkeeping position ahead of the promotion to LaLiga EA Sports. The 25-year-old Catalan goalkeeper committed after a phone conversation with coach Luis García during the team's training camp in Marbella.
Arnau Tenas is not a typical goalkeeper. Trained at FC Barcelona's La Masia, where he developed as a goalkeeper with great footwork, he defines himself as a 'libero-keeper'. His style is characterised by explosive kicking, a low body posture that allows him to be effective in one-on-one situations, and a mastery of precise striking to connect with wingers during quick transitions. Despite not being two metres tall, he compensates with an excellent reading of aerial space and an aggressive stride.
His career includes a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, where he shared a dressing room with stars, and 15 top-level matches with Villarreal in both La Liga and the Champions League. Additionally, he was the starting goalkeeper for the Spanish national team that won the Gold Medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he assisted the decisive goal in the final.
The arrival of Tenas transforms Mallorca's approach. His ability to initiate play from the back provides an extra outlet in ball progression, forcing opponents to press high and leaving spaces behind. Interior playmakers like Álex Sala, Pablo Torre, and Sergi Darder will be the main beneficiaries, receiving the ball in advantageous positions with time to act. Wingers like Antoniu Roca will also be able to exploit vertical transitions with the goalkeeper's long passes.
Arnau Tenas comes from a dynasty of goalkeepers: his grandfather guarded historic goals, his father, Xavi Tenas, defended the net for RCD Espanyol, and his twin brother, Marc Tenas, is a centre-forward. The player from Vic arrives in Palma at the perfect moment of maturity, according to club sources, and is seen as the replacement for Leo Román, whose departure has opened up a spot.
Not only does Mallorca sign an experienced goalkeeper, but also a dressing room leader who brings personality and flair. The fans at Son Moix have a new idol between the posts. The club is confident that his character and playing style will fit perfectly with Luis García's system, which seeks a risk-taking and controlled style of play from the back.
The loan of Arnau Tenas strengthens the Mallorca goalkeeping position ahead of a crucial season. The team, competing in LaLiga Hypermotion, aims to return to the top tier, and the arrival of a goalkeeper with his profile represents a significant quality leap in the squad.
The next commitment for Mallorca will be in pre-season, where Tenas will have his first minutes in front of his new fans. The management hopes for a quick adaptation and that his leadership will be felt from day one in the dressing room.
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