Football
Marash Kumbulla Close to Joining Rayo Vallecano as Roma Agreement Reaches Final Stage
His third consecutive spell in Spain
Marash Kumbulla is close to beginning a new adventure in Spanish football. The Albanian international defender is expected to join Rayo Vallecano on loan from Roma.
The news was reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who said negotiations between the two clubs have reached an advanced stage.
“Rayo Vallecano are closing in on a deal to sign Marash Kumbulla on loan from AS Roma. The agreement is being sealed, with formal steps to follow,” Romano reported.
Only the formalities remain
Roma and Rayo Vallecano are working to finalize the remaining details. Unless there are any unexpected developments, Kumbulla will travel to Madrid to complete the formal procedures before being presented by his new club.
The initial report does not mention a purchase option or an obligation to buy. For now, the operation is being described as a straightforward loan, while Kumbulla remains under contract with Roma until June 2028.
His third consecutive spell in Spain
A move to Rayo Vallecano would represent Kumbulla’s third consecutive loan spell in La Liga.
The 26-year-old defender first played for Espanyol, where he enjoyed a positive season and scored three goals in 35 league appearances. He was then loaned to Mallorca, although his time there was disrupted by injuries and a lack of continuity.
Kumbulla is now ready to begin a new chapter with Rayo Vallecano, who are looking to strengthen the heart of their defence ahead of the new season.
Roma looking to reduce their squad
Kumbulla is not part of Roma’s primary plans, and the Italian club are working to reduce the size of their squad and lower their wage bill.
Levante and Elche had also shown interest in the Albanian defender during the current transfer window. However, Rayo Vallecano submitted the most concrete proposal and are now close to securing his signature.
The transfer is not official yet, but negotiations have entered their final stage. If everything proceeds as planned, Marash Kumbulla will continue his career in Madrid and remain in Spanish football for a third consecutive season.