Rayane Belaid makes €500,000 move to Rayo Vallecano from Atletico Madrileno

Spain and Algeria midfielder Rayane Belaid has joined Rayo Vallecano from Atletico Madrileno in a €500,000 transfer, completing a move to LaLiga at the age of 21.

Belaid, an attacking midfielder who operates primarily in the centre of the field, switches clubs after spending the previous campaign with Atletico Madrileno in Primera Federacion Group II. He was registered for the 2026-27 season but had not made an appearance before moving to Rayo.

The fee is below Belaid’s current market value of €600,000, and the transfer represents the next step in a career spent within Atletico Madrid’s development structure. He joined Atletico Madrileno from Atletico Madrid Under-19s in July 2024, having previously progressed through the club’s Under-18 and Under-17 sides.

Born in Orihuela on 11 February 2005, Belaid is eligible to represent both Spain and Algeria. His international honour to date came with Spain Under-19s, with whom he won the European Under-19 Championship in 2024.

The right-footed midfielder stands 1.75m tall and joins a Rayo Vallecano side competing in Spain’s top division. His arrival gives the club a young central attacking option after his spell in the third tier, while his background in Atletico’s academy provides experience of a structured youth pathway.

Belaid’s move also marks a clear change in the level of competition he will face, moving from Primera Federacion to LaLiga. His previous club career had been based entirely within Atletico Madrid’s system, making Rayo Vallecano his first senior destination outside that structure.

The transfer was completed on 3 September 2026, and Belaid’s Rayo Vallecano contract runs until 30 June 2030.