Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu as they brace for potential summer offers for Pedro Porro. The Premier League club are aware of mounting interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City in Porro, who has emerged as a top target for both clubs.
Real Madrid view Porro as a contingency plan should they fail to land Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Manchester City are considering him as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker. With Spurs expecting bids for Porro next summer, they have begun laying the groundwork for a replacement.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham have been scouting Ratiu extensively this season. The 26-year-old Romanian international has impressed with his performances for Rayo Vallecano, establishing himself as one of La Liga’s standout players.
Ratiu has enjoyed a breakout season under Rayo manager Iñigo Pérez, cementing his place as the team’s starting right-back. Known for his speed and work rate, Ratiu has played 15 consecutive matches this season, demonstrating both consistency and versatility. His performances during Euro 2024 also drew widespread attention, solidifying his reputation as a player to watch.
The Romanian defender has a €25 million release clause in his contract, which runs until 2028. While this figure is within Tottenham’s budget, Rayo Vallecano may demand a higher fee due to the growing interest in Ratiu. Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, AS Roma, and Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring the player, creating stiff competition for his signature.
For Tottenham, securing Ratiu would be a proactive step in mitigating the potential loss of Porro. Ratiu’s ability to dominate the right flank and provide defensive stability makes him a strong candidate to slot into Spurs’ system seamlessly. His age and recent form suggest he is entering his prime, making him a viable long-term solution for Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
With multiple clubs vying for Ratiu, Tottenham will need to act decisively to avoid losing out on the Romanian full-back. The competition from European giants such as Barcelona and Atlético Madrid and Spurs’ willingness to trigger his release clause highlights their intent to strengthen their defence.
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Ratiu’s combination of athleticism, defensive prowess, and attacking contributions makes him an ideal replacement for Pedro Porro should Spurs lose their star right-back. At €25 million, his release clause represents good value for a player of his caliber, particularly in today’s inflated transfer market.
For Tottenham, landing Ratiu would not only address an immediate concern but also signal their ability to compete with Europe’s elite in securing top talent.