Raúl de Tomás sidelined by Rayo Vallecano: no place and contract until 2027

Rayo Vallecano have made it clear that Raúl de Tomás is not part of their plans for the 2026/27 season, even though his contract runs until June 2027. The Madrid-born striker passed his medical in Vallecas on July 15, but still hasn’t received instructions to train with the first team under Beñat San José.

What happened with Raúl de Tomás at Rayo Vallecano?

De Tomás was expected to return on July 15, when the team started pre-season in Fuenlabrada. He didn’t show up, and his representatives had to reach out to the club to clarify the situation. No one from Rayo had confirmed the time or place for his medical, which finally took place thanks to external initiative.

Since then, the striker has been waiting for instructions to rejoin the squad. The club told him he’s not in their plans for this campaign, leaving his future uncertain. De Tomás, one of the highest earners at the club, remains under contract but without any sporting role.

Why isn’t Rayo Vallecano counting on Raúl de Tomás?

Beñat San José, Rayo’s manager, started pre-season without the striker, and his time at the club appears over. The team finished eighth in La Liga 2025 with 50 points and a -3 goal difference. They see no room for De Tomás in their project. The club would rather manage his exit than keep him on the books without minutes, something that doesn’t help the player either after a season without game time in Qatar.

The striker returned from his short spell at Al Wakrah this summer. The Qatari club signed him in 2025, but the deal ended early in the winter window and De Tomás didn’t play again after February. He had hoped to return to Vallecas and prove himself to the new staff, but the club shut that door.

What’s next for Raúl de Tomás and Rayo Vallecano?

The striker’s future now hinges on two options: finding a new club or negotiating an early release to leave as a free agent. His camp insists he needs minutes after seasons blighted by injuries and limited game time. Meanwhile, Rayo must resolve his situation before the summer transfer window closes.

The Madrid-based club, which scored 41 goals and conceded 44 in 2025, are gearing up for the new campaign without De Tomás in their plans. Their next test comes on February 21 2027 at home to Getafe, a key match to stay in the upper half of the table.