Beñat San José takes charge at Rayo Vallecano with urgent squad decisions
Rayo Vallecano kicked off its 2026/27 pre-season under new boss Beñat San José, who led the first closed-door session in Fuenlabrada. The Basque coach faces a summer packed with urgent decisions over players like Raúl de Tomás, who is returning from loan, and others with expiring contracts.
The franjirrojo side finished eighth in LaLiga last season with 50 points from 12 wins, 14 draws and 12 losses, and lost the UEFA Conference League final. Their first league match of the new campaign is on 15 August away to Sevilla at the Sánchez-Pizjuán.
What urgent decisions does Beñat San José need to make?
San José must resolve the futures of players returning from loan such as Raúl de Tomás, Pelayo Fernández and Etienne Eto'o. The club has already confirmed the departures of Gumbau, Ilias Akhomach and Carlos Martín, while Luiz Felipe, Abdul Mumin, Pacha Espino and Óscar Trejo have been released after their contracts expired.
The sporting directorate, led by David Cobeño, is working closely with the coach to finalise the squad. The aim is to have the team practically set before the start of LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 on 23 August.
Rayo Vallecano’s pre-season fixtures: opponents and key dates
Rayo Vallecano has four friendlies scheduled. The first, a 2-1 loss to Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle Park on 17 July, was followed by a clash with Feyenoord in Rotterdam on 26 July. They then face Charleroi on 30 July and Ipswich Town on 8 August.
San José wants the squad settled to tackle a tough top-flight campaign, with the memory of last season’s Conference League final defeat still fresh.
Players with 2027 contracts under San José’s microscope
The coach will also assess the futures of Sergio Camello, Óscar Valentín, Dani Cárdenas, Pathé Ciss, Iván Balliu, Raúl de Tomás and Etienne Eto'o, all contracted until 2027. Many were key players under former boss Iñigo Pérez in previous seasons.
Rayo Vallecano scored 41 goals and conceded 44 (goal difference -3) last term and now faces pressure to secure mid-table safety. Their most recent result was a 2-1 defeat to Heart of Midlothian on 17 July 2026.
