Raúl de Tomás of Benfica (left) clashes with Juan Basulto of Chivas de Guadalajara during their 2019 International Champions Cup match at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on July 20, 2019. Benfica went on to win 3-0. (MARK RALSTON / AFP)

MADRID — Liga Santander strugglers Espanyol have signed striker Raul de Tomas for a club record fee of 20 million euros (around US$23 million) as they look to avoid relegation.

Raul de Tomas returns to Spain from Benfica and has signed a five and a half year contract until the end of June 2026

De Tomas returns to Spain from Benfica and has signed a five and a half year contract until the end of June 2026.

The forward, who will partner Wu Lei in the Espanyol attack, is a product of the Real Madrid youth system and two years ago netted 24 goals to help Rayo Vallecano gain promotion to the Liga Santander.

He followed that up with a further 14 goals last season, but was unable to stop them being relegated and Real Madrid looked to cash in on his form by selling him to Benfica.

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However, the 26-year-old has failed to adapt to Portugal, prompting Benfica to cut their losses.

De Tomas replaces Matias Vargas, who joined Espanyol from Argentina over the summer for 10.5 million euros, as the club's most expensive player and his arrival is a sign of the confidence in new coach Abelardo Fernandez.

Abelardo was named as Espanyol's third coach of the season just before the New Year and in his debut he led them to a fighting 2-2 draw at home to lead leaders FC Barcelona in his first game in charge.

De Tomas will probably make his debut in Espanyol's Copa del Rey game against San Sebastian de los Reyes at the weekend and will presumably face his brother Rubi, who plays for the lower tier Madrid based outfit.