What happened: Villarreal have identified Iñigo Pérez as their clear favorite to become the club's next head coach after sealing Champions League qualification for next season, per Fabrizio Romano. Pérez is ready to take over but has asked to wait until Rayo Vallecano's Conference League campaign concludes. The Yellow Submarine are honoring that request out of respect for his current club.

Why it matters: The hire would mark a significant step up for Pérez, who has impressed at Rayo and now has Champions League football waiting for him. For Villarreal, locking in their preferred candidate early stabilizes a summer rebuild around European competition. The delay also signals the kind of professional courtesy that often greases deals between LaLiga clubs.

What to watch: Watch Rayo Vallecano's Conference League final result and the timing of any official Villarreal announcement once that campaign closes. Pérez's release terms from Rayo will be the next domino.