Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
La Liga’s Rayo Vallecano have confirmed the arrival of Ilias Akhomach on loan from Villarreal CF, adding extra depth to their attack for the remainder of the 2025/26 La Liga season.
The 21-year-old winger moves to the Madrid club until the end of the campaign after successfully completing his medical and final paperwork. Rayo made the deal official on January 21, 2026.
Before sanctioning the loan, Villarreal moved to protect the player’s future by extending his contract until June 2028. The temporary move does not include an option to buy, a clear sign that Villarreal see Akhomach as part of their long-term plans.
OFICIAL | Ilias Akhomach es nuevo jugador del Rayo Vallecano.
Llega cedido por el @VillarrealCF hasta final de temporada.
¡Bienvenido, @IliasAkhomach!⚡ pic.twitter.com/9fZ64RuzXb
— Rayo Vallecano (@RayoVallecano) January 21, 2026
A Strategic loan for player and club
A graduate of FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Akhomach took his first steps at senior level before completing a move to Villarreal in 2023. Since then, he has gained valuable experience in both La Liga and European competition, although his playing time has been more limited this season.
The loan is intended to give the winger regular minutes and continuity, helping him rediscover his best form. For Rayo Vallecano, the Moroccan international brings speed, technical ability, and versatility in attack as the club looks to build momentum in the league.
From Villarreal’s point of view, the move is a calculated step to aid the player’s development while keeping him firmly within their long-term plans. With international commitments and major tournaments on the horizon, consistent game time is seen as essential.
