Spanish club Rayo Vallecano is set to bring in Ilias Akhomach on a loan from Villarreal until the end of the season. The 21-year-old Moroccan winger is going through medical tests right now. This move comes as Akhomach looks for more playing time after a quiet start at Villarreal.
The deal got announced by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on social media. He posted that everything is in place for the loan, with no option to buy mentioned. Akhomach just got back from the Africa Cup of Nations, where Morocco lost in the final. He wants regular minutes to stay sharp for the World Cup next summer. Rayo Vallecano beat out other interested teams like Getafe for his signature.
Akhomach started his career at Barcelona’s youth academy. He moved to Villarreal in 2023 on a free transfer. Since then, he has played 31 times in La Liga, scoring two goals and adding three assists. This season, though, he has only started a few games.
Villarreal sits mid-table, and their coach Marcelino wants to trim the squad. Before the loan, Villarreal pushed for a contract extension because they see long-term potential in him. His current deal runs until June 2026, with a salary around 830,000 euros a year.
For Rayo Vallecano, this adds depth to their attack. The Madrid-based team is fighting to stay in La Liga. They play in the Vallecas stadium, known for its passionate fans. Right now, they are in the lower half of the table after a tough run.
Manager Inigo Perez needs options on the wings. Akhomach’s speed and dribbling could help in games against bigger sides. The club also competes in the Conference League, so extra matches mean more chances for him to play.
Sources say the agreement is verbal and almost done. Just the medical and paperwork left. Akhomach picked Rayo because it offers steady playtime. He turned down other offers to go there. Villarreal agrees it’s good for his growth. They have other wingers like Yeremy Pino and Ayoze Perez covering his spot.
This is not the only loan between these clubs lately. Rayo sent Etienne Eto’o to Villarreal B on loan too. But that’s a separate deal for the young striker. It shows both teams are active in the winter window without big spending.
Fans on social media are buzzing. One post from Villarreal Report said the player and club both wanted the move. Akhomach chose Vallecas as his top pick. Another from Inside020 noted Ajax had interest but he is close to Rayo now. Comments range from excitement about his skills to hopes he shines in Madrid.
Akhomach represents Morocco internationally. He has caps at youth levels and debuted for the senior team. The World Cup goal keeps him motivated. A good spell at Rayo could boost his spot in the national team.
Villarreal plans no major signings this window. They focus on loans out. Raul Moro might follow Akhomach out the door. The club lost Akhomach to injury earlier, but he is fit now. Wait, no, a different report mentioned him out for the season in another context, but that was wrong. He is ready to go.
Rayo fans hope he fits in quick. Their next game is against a rival. If medicals pass, he could train soon. The loan has no buy clause, so he returns to Villarreal in summer.
In La Liga, loans help develop talent without big risks. Akhomach’s market value is about 12 million euros. If he performs, it raises his stock.
For now, eyes are on the medical results. Once clear, the announcement comes. Rayo gets a boost, Villarreal frees space, and Akhomach gets games. It looks like a win for all. The winter window closes soon. More moves might happen. But this one seems wrapped up. Stay tuned for official word from the clubs.
