Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona are reportedly among the clubs vying for Rayo Vallecano’s defensive sensation Andrei Ratiu.
Andrei Ratiu’s sensational rise at Rayo Vallecano has not gone unnoticed. Multiple top clubs are keen on his signature, and they could end up battling for him next summer.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham and Barcelona are among those clubs that are interested in the Romanian international, who has only gone from strength to strength since making a name for himself at Euro 2024.
While things did not work out for him at Villarreal, his consistent performances at SD Huesca earned him a move to Rayo Vallecano in the summer of 2023. During his debut campaign, he was more of a backup player at the club. However, things have taken a massive turn since his impressive performances last summer for Romania.
He has been a regular feature in the starting XI this season. The 26-year-old has featured in a total of 24 league games, and he even has four goal contributions. Not only does he have a strong defensive base, but he can contribute a lot in the final third. Andrei Ratiu can make those overlapping runs and can even cut inside if needed.
The player’s performances have put him on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in Europe. While his contract at Rayo runs until the summer of 2028, they might not be able to hold onto him beyond the summer, as there is a €25 million release clause that could lead to his departure.
Multiple clubs could push for Ratiu
Barcelona are one of the clubs that are keen on the signature of Andrei Ratiu. They have been on the lookout for a new right-back for some time. While Jules Kounde has not done much wrong in that role, he prefers playing more centrally. As a result, they could push to secure his services.
The Blaugrana have been closely following his progress, and their sporting director, Deco, has already held talks with the player’s representatives. The Catalan giants are not the only club that are interested in him. They could face significant competition from Tottenham, who want to bolster their right flank.
The North London club do have enough depth in that position, but they seek more quality and are quite impressed with the Romanian international’s consistent performances. Apart from Barcelona and Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are also considering making a move for him.
The Yellow Submarine could look to bring him back to the club. Even if they decide against it, they will still earn 50% from any future sale. Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion, Atalanta, AS Roma, and Bayer Leverkusen have all been linked with him.
