Morocco winger Ilias Akhomach attracts Sevilla and Espanyol interest

Morocco international Ilias Akhomach is attracting interest from fellow La Liga sides Sevilla and Espanyol, with both clubs reportedly exploring a loan move for the Villarreal winger ahead of the new season.

According to reports, the two clubs have opened preliminary discussions with Villarreal to determine whether a temporary transfer is possible during the summer window. No formal bid has been submitted, and no agreement has yet been reached.

Spanish clubs weigh up loan move

Sevilla and Espanyol are both looking to strengthen their attacking departments and reportedly see Akhomach as a player capable of adding pace, creativity and versatility across the front line.

The 22-year-old can operate on either flank and is regarded as a valuable option as both clubs prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

Discussions are expected to continue in the coming days while Villarreal decide whether to keep the Moroccan international in their first-team plans or sanction another loan move.

Pre-season likely to shape Villarreal decision

Akhomach has returned to Villarreal after spending the second half of the 2025-26 season on loan at Rayo Vallecano.

Before completing that move in January, he signed a contract extension with Villarreal that runs until June 2028. The loan agreement did not include an option for Rayo Vallecano to make the deal permanent.

The former Barcelona academy player featured 31 times in all competitions last season, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

Future remains open despite positive reports

Reports in Spain had previously indicated that Akhomach stood a strong chance of remaining with Villarreal’s senior squad.

It was reported that head coach Iñigo Perez, who previously worked with the winger during their time together at Rayo Vallecano, is familiar with the Moroccan’s qualities, while other reports suggested he was among the returning loan players most likely to earn a place in Villarreal’s first-team plans.

However, interest from Sevilla and Espanyol has provided Villarreal with another option as the club weighs up the best path for Akhomach’s development.

Having joined Villarreal from Barcelona in the summer of 2023 after the expiry of his contract, the Morocco international could now face another season on loan to secure regular La Liga football, although his future is expected to depend on his performances during pre-season and Villarreal’s transfer activity before the window closes.