Tottenham eye Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu as a potential replacement for Pedro Porro
Tottenham Hotspur surprised many by not signing a replacement for Emerson Royal after selling him to AC Milan in the summer. But the fact that Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, and Djed Spence could occupy those roles meant Spurs could still make do.
Three months into the new season, however, one player has been surrounded by uncertainty regarding his future at the Hotspur Way. And that player is none other than Pedro Porro.
Porro has seen his stock enhance ever since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou last year after a tough start to life in North London. The right-back is now one of the first names on the team sheet under Ange Postecoglou. He has already made 14 appearances across all competitions, netting two goals and supplying as many assists.
The Spaniard is now being linked with moves away from Spurs. La Liga giants Real Madrid are particularly keen on him if their pursuit of Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold fails, while Manchester City are also rumoured to be interested in re-signing him.
Reports in recent weeks have been linking the Tottenham star with a return to Spain, with Real Madrid keen to find a long-term replacement for the injured Dani Carvajal. And so, Spurs are scouring the market for options to potentially replace Porro.
According to a report from Sport Witness, Tottenham are interested in signing Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu.
Andrei Ratiu has progressed well at Rayo Vallecano this season after a challenging debut year. He has been Rayo’s first-choice right-back, starting 11 out of 12 La Liga games thus far. The Romanian international has registered a goal and an assist apiece, catching the attention of Spurs and several other clubs.
The aforementioned report adds Barcelona are firmly interested in Ratiu and have already established contacts with Rayo to understand the finances of a potential deal. The 25-year-old full-back has a contract at Rayo until June 2028 (Transfermarkt), protected by a €25m release clause.
While Spurs remain interested in the Aiud-born talent, Barcelona are seemingly having control over the Ratiu case. But even taking that into account, given his age, profile and experience of competing in La Liga, not much argument can be made against exploring a move for the Romanian star.
More Tottenham News:
- Daniel Levy keeps ‘huge fee’ aside to bring in a marquee player in the winter transfer window
- Out-of-favour Tottenham star backed to demand 80% wages to end North London stint
- Former English striker backs Tottenham star to welcome Championship loan bid
Ratiu has a modest €25m release clause in his contract, and so if the Lilywhites hold a concrete interest in him, they must not wait until the summer to trigger it and bring him to North London as a potential replacement for Porro.
