Beijing Guoan's Zhang Chengdong joins Rayo Vallecano on loan

Beijing Guoan's Zhang Chengdong reacts during a Chinese Super League soccer match against Shanghai SIPG at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing, July 20, 2015. [Photo/CFP]

BEIJING - Chinese Super League (CSL) side Beijing Guoan's Zhang Chengdong has joined Spanish club Rayo Vallecano on loan, the Beijing club confirmed on China's Twitter-like social media Weibo on Tuesday.

Zhang is expected to be the first Chinese player to play in La Liga.

According to Beijing Guoan, Zhang will play for Rayo Vallecano in 2015-2016 season, with his loan due on June 15, 2016.

"Thanks for his contribution to Beijing Guoan. Wish him all the best during the next phase of his career."

"Cheer for you, and wait for you," the club wrote on Weibo.

26-year-old Zhang began his professional career in Liaoning, where he had a three-season spell before joining Portuguese Club Deportivo Mafra. He also played for Leiria Uniao, Beira Mar in Portugal and Eintracht Braunschweig in Germany.

He has been in Beijing Guoan since 2013.