Granada Football Club has made a significant move by renewing the contract of promising Moroccan striker Rayan Zinebi until 2029, as confirmed by Mundo Deportivo. This strategic decision not only secures Zinebi's future with the club but also outlines a plan for his immediate development through a loan to Real Madrid Castilla for the 2026/27 season. Currently representing Morocco in the Under-20 national team at the 2026 Mediterranean Games, Zinebi's contract extension, set to last until June 30, 2029, includes an option to extend for an additional two years based on the fulfillment of certain sporting objectives.
The official announcement from Granada highlights the mutual agreement reached with Real Madrid, allowing Zinebi to join their reserve team in the RFEF Primera Federación. This move is seen as a pivotal step in Zinebi's career, given that he is touted as one of the most exciting talents emerging from Granada's academy and is recognized as a standout young forward in the African football scene.
In recent days, Zinebi becomes the second player to transition from Granada to Real Madrid, following Ghanaian defender Oscar Naasei, who also joined the Madrid club with the aim of playing for Castilla. Having joined Granada as a youth player last summer, Zinebi made his Segunda División debut during the last campaign and participated in pre-season preparations under coach José Rojo 'Pacheta' before heading off to represent his country at the Mediterranean Games. With this loan arrangement, Zinebi is set to continue his development in Madrid, where he will have opportunities for regular senior football while Real Madrid closely monitors his growth.
As reported by ca.sports.yahoo.com.
