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Rabat – Sevilla and Espanyol are reportedly interested in signing Morocco international Ilias Akhomach on loan from Villarreal during the summer transfer window.
According to Africa Foot, both clubs have made initial contact with Villarreal to assess whether a temporary move can be completed before the new season. No official offer or agreement has been announced.
The two clubs reportedly believe Akhomach can strengthen their attacking options through his speed, dribbling and ability to operate on either wing.
Talks could develop over the coming days as Villarreal evaluates whether to retain the 22-year-old or allow him to leave for another loan spell.
Akhomach spent the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Rayo Vallecano.
Before completing the move in January, he extended his Villarreal contract until June 2028. The loan agreement did not include an option for Rayo to buy him permanently.
The former Barcelona academy player made 31 appearances across all competitions last season, registering two goals and three assists.
He has now returned to Villarreal, where his situation is expected to be assessed during preseason.
Villarreal yet to make final decision
Reports from Spain previously suggested that Akhomach had a realistic chance of staying with Villarreal’s first team.
AS reported in June that the Moroccan winger was among the returning loan players with a clearer future at the club, partly because coach Iñigo Perez already knows him from their time together at Rayo Vallecano.
Cadena SER also said Akhomach was one of the loan returnees with the best chance of remaining in Villarreal’s senior squad.
The interest from Sevilla and Espanyol now gives Villarreal another option as the club decides how best to manage his development and playing time.
Akhomach joined Villarreal in the summer of 2023 after leaving Barcelona at the end of his contract.
A second consecutive loan could allow him to play regularly in La Liga, but Villarreal’s final position may depend on his performances during preseason and the club’s wider transfer plans.
