After a mixed season, Tottenham Hotspur have found some respite with their victory over Manchester City and the draw against AS Roma.
With this in mind, the club is now approaching the January transfer window, and numerous rumours have been circulating online in recent days.
Andrei Ratiu
According to Mundo Deportivo, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing Andrei Ratiu, the 26-year-old Romanian right-back currently playing for Rayo Vallecano in Spain.
As the source quoted, the North London club has shown interest in the defender, who has been impressing in La Liga this season.
However, Tottenham’s pursuit of Ratiu will face competition, notably from Barcelona, who are also keeping tabs on the player.
The Romanian international has attracted the attention of several top clubs, including Roma, Napoli, and Bayer Leverkusen, but it appears that Barcelona are currently leading the race for his signature.
With Tottenham looking to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer window, Ratiu could provide a solid defensive option.
Spurs are in need of reinforcement in the right-back position, especially with reports linking Pedro Porro to a potential move away from the club.
Real Madrid is said to be interested in signing Porro, leaving Tottenham to consider potential replacements, with Ratiu emerging as a viable alternative.
The Romanian defender’s €25 million release clause could be a stumbling block, but there are suggestions that Tottenham may be able to secure his services for a lower price.
Ratiu has demonstrated his quality in Spain’s top tier, playing a crucial role for Rayo Vallecano this season.
His technical skills and defensive attributes make him a promising addition to any Premier League side, and he could provide valuable competition for Tottenham’s current right-back options.
However, Spurs will need to act quickly and decisively if they are to outbid Barcelona and other interested clubs. The Catalan giants have strong ties with Ratiu’s agency, which could give them the edge in negotiations.
For Tottenham, securing Ratiu would not only provide a long-term solution to their right-back dilemma but also serve as an important squad depth option if Porro decides to leave.
Ratiu’s playing style could seamlessly integrate into Tottenham’s defensive setup, and with the right guidance, he could become a key figure at the club.
🚨 | Barça are interested in Rayo Vallecano's Andrei Rațiu.
❗️His current contract with Rayo expires in 2028, and the player has a release clause of 25M. pic.twitter.com/vocw74Xz2F
— Blaugranagram (@Blaugranagram) November 27, 2024
With multiple clubs monitoring his progress, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can secure Ratiu’s signature in the coming transfer windows.
If they manage to pull it off, the 26-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition to their squad, offering both immediate and long-term value.