Rayo Vallecano said goodbye to 14 number of players due to transfers and the end of contracts. Because of that, they started the preseason with a small squad and Míchel, who knows better than most how the cantera functions, has mined it for resources to pad his squad with friendlies and training sessions approaching fast and heavy. Here is a breakdown of the players that Rayo have added to their squad to prepare for the 2017-18 season.
Sergio Akieme
The 19-year-old made his debut against Sevilla Atletico on the final day of last season. Razvan Rat’s time at the club is finished and Akiema is in Míchel’s plans next season. The left-back was part of the Juvenil A team that won the double recently and has a bright future.
Jean Jules
The Cameroonian was a revelation last season. He arrived in November from Aspire Academy and played with the Juvenil A side before making the leap up to Rayo’s B team.
Joni Montiel
Another favourite of Míchel, the youngest player to debut for Rayo Vallecano in the top flight leaves underage football and will likely take up a place in the squad next season. He will be given every opportunity yo “knock down the door” in preseason and the 18-year-old attacking midfielder has already played 12 times for the first team. That should double next season.
Lucho
Like Montiel, Lucho will leave underage football and will be tasked with becoming the number one for Rayo Vallecano B. His physique and ability make him an exciting prospect and will be paid close attention to during preseason and with Rayo’s B team next year.
Alberto ‘Chino’
The Rayo youth product will also make up the numbers during preseason for the first team. After renewing for one more year, he will look for guidance, experience and ore minutes under Michel in the preseason and beyond.
Raúl Espinosa
Rayo’s right side is a little threadbare after the departure of Quini. Ernesto Galan is the only right-back at present but Espinosa, who continues training with the first team during the preseason will try to convince Michel of his worth to the squad.
Pablo Villalón
A central defender who arrived from Rayo Majadahonda has been handed a gift in training with the first team. His experience in Segunda B with both Majadahonda and Getafe puts him in a good position to make the grade in the second division. In Villalón, we are dealing with a very exciting prospect.
Javier Ontiveros
If Rayo need reinforcements anywhere in the squad, it is at striker. This was the case last season and with Miku and Manucho out of the picture, that is even more so the case this summer. He was called just days before the trip to Marbella to travel with the squad. It is the 21-year-old’s second year in Vallecas and he finished last season as Rayo B’s top scorer.
Jesus Mena
A new arrival, Jesus Mena has been called up almost immediately to participate in Rayo’s preseason. He spent his entire youth career at Getafe and will look to both blend in and make a name for himself this summer.
Kike Hermoso
The Rayo B player arrived this summer from Alcobendas and is the youngest player to travel with Rayo for their preseason trip to Marbella alongside Fran Beltran. The central defender has already played in the third division with his former club.