Atlético de Madrid continues to nurture its youth academy with talents that promise to make the leap to elite soccer. One of the most outstanding in Fernando Torres's team is Rayane Belaid. A young gem who already dazzles in the reserve team and in the UEFA Youth League, his performance has caught attention both inside and outside the red-and-white club.
The Spanish forward of Algerian origin has demonstrated his goal-scoring instinct with 8 goals in 26 matches across both competitions, establishing himself as one of the key pieces of Atlético B. His contract with the red-and-white team extends until 2027, but so far he hasn't received a renewal offer. Belaid hopes that the club will fulfill the promise of giving him an opportunity in the first team and that he can debut under Diego Simeone's orders this very season.
At the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, his progression hasn't gone unnoticed, and many within the club see him as the next Antoine Griezmann. However, they also consider that the best for his immediate development could be a loan to a First Division team, where he would have more minutes and continuity. Several clubs have already inquired Atlético de Madrid about the future of the red-and-white pearl.
Interest from LaLiga and England
One of the clubs that has already started to move to secure his loan is Deportivo Alavés. The babazorro team, which currently has Carlos Martín in its ranks, sees in Rayane Belaid an opportunity to continue betting on young talents from Atlético de Madrid. With the more than likely return of Martín to the red-and-white team at the end of the season, Alavés could make room for the new red-and-white promise for 2025/26.
This strategy has already worked with players like Rodrigo Riquelme, who went through Mirandés, Bournemouth, and Girona before settling in the first team with Diego Simeone. Another similar case is Giuliano Simeone, who also went on loan to Alavés to gain experience in the top category. Following this model, Rayane Belaid could find an ideal setting for his evolution in Vitoria.
A Direct Contact with the Club
Atlético de Madrid has in Rayane Belaid a talent with great projection, but it must define what his next step will be. The lack of contact for a renewal could generate uncertainty in his environment, although the club maintains confidence in his growth. The player hopes that he will soon receive the call to steer his future, because although he still has two years left, there is some unease.
In Wednesday's training, the young player has been with the first team, according to Rubén Uría on his X account. If he ultimately doesn't have opportunities with Simeone this season, a loan is shaping up as the best option. Whether at Alavés or another First Division team, the young forward will seek to prove that he is ready to shine in professional soccer.