Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race for Rayo Vallecano star Andrei Ratiu who is also wanted by Barcelona
Tottenham Hotspur have been fortifying interest in landing a new defender when the summer transfer window comes around, given how Ange Postecoglou has struggled with numbers in this area of the pitch.
The Lilywhites’ defensive problems have been well documented this season, with injuries to key players leading to the team leaking an alarming amount of goals. The club did well to sign Kevin Danso on loan from RC Lens with a buy obligation during the January transfer window, but they need more quality and depth if the North Londoners are to avoid a repeat of the ongoing campaign.
According to a report from Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham are keen on signing Rayo Vallecano’s defensive sensation Andrei Ratiu. Atletico Madrid, Brighton, AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen have been mentioned as potential suitors of the Romanian international, who has a release clause of €25m.
Andrei Ratiu has been growing from strength to strength ever since his impressive performances at the 2024 European Championships in Germany, where he was a revelation for his national team. His development has continued at Rayo Vallecano, for whom he recently scored a spectacular goal in the 1-1 draw with Sevilla in La Liga.
The 26-year-old is now among the highly rated full-backs in La Liga, thanks to his combination of technical skills, attacking prowess, dynamism, pace and defensive diligence. He continues to be a regular for Rayo Vallecano, having made four goal contributions in 24 La Liga appearances this season to date.
The aforementioned report adds Ratiu’s representatives are working towards a summer move and have already met with Barcelona sporting director Deco to discuss the right-back’s future. Plus, Villarreal could look to bring the Romanian back to the club. Even if they decide against it, the Yellow Submarine will still earn 50% from any future sale.
In Djed Spence and Pedro Porro, Ange Postecoglou has two quality right-backs. Add to the fact that Archie Gray can operate at full-back makes Tottenham’s interest in Ratiu a bit perplexing, though. Perhaps, the North Londoners are willing to cash in on Porro at the end of the season amid Real Madrid’s interest and view the Rayo star as his potential replacement.
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Porro’s performance levels have dipped since the turn of the year, and with Gray now the first-choice right-back following immensely consistent performances over the last few months, Tottenham could do a fine job by selling the Spanish international and replacing him with Ratiu. The Rayo man can contribute a lot in the final third with his overlapping runs and even operate as an inverted full-back, making him tailor-made for Ange Postecoglou’s system.
Protected by a paltry €25m, Spurs must try to beat their rivals for Ratiu’s signature as he has the required ingredients to flourish in the hustle and bustle of Premier League football.
