Ilias Akhomach signs Villarreal extension to 2028 and joins Rayo Vallecano on loan | OneFootball

Villarreal have extended Ilias Akhomach’s contract to June 2028 and sent him on loan to Rayo Vallecano until 30 June, with no purchase option.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the agreement was completed on Wednesday after the left-footed winger travelled to Madrid for a medical and to sign.

The 21-year-old suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee in November 2024, which also involved a medial collateral ligament sprain. He returned to action in August 2025 but has struggled to regain form or consistent trust from head coach Marcelino García Toral.

While with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, Akhomach asked for a January move to secure more minutes and continuity, aiming to stay in contention for Walid Regragui’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Chief executive Fernando Roig Negueroles and director of football Miguel Ángel Tena agreed to the request on condition he first extended his deal, which had been due to run until 30 June 2027.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo