Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a move for Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu.
The 26-year-old has made 18 appearances for Rayo during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring one goal and registering one assist in the process, while he has featured 34 times in total for his current side since arriving from Huesca in August 2023.
Ratiu has been one of the most consistent right-backs in La Liga this term, and a number of clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on his progress, with Rayo seemingly facing a difficult task when it comes to keeping hold of him.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid are huge admirers of Ratiu, viewing him as a player who excels both defensively and offensively, and Los Blancos allegedly believe that he would be an excellent addition to their squad.
Rayo allegedly value Ratiu in the region of €15m (£12.6m), which is unlikely to prove problematic for Real Madrid, and he could potentially arrive alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.
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Real Madrid 'interested in Rayo defender Ratiu'
Alexander-Arnold is believed to be Real Madrid's leading right-back target, with the Liverpool defender potentially arriving on a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, Lucas Vazquez's deal is due to expire this summer, while Dani Carvajal may not be ready to return from a serious knee injury until after the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
As a result, two new right-backs could arrive, especially with Ratiu also capable of filling in at left-back, with the long-term futures of Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia both unclear.
Ratiu has scored once and provided one assist in 17 La Liga appearances this season, while he is a 26-time Romania international.
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Will Real Madrid sign a centre-back this summer?
Aurelien Tchouameni has again been required to play central defence this season due to Eder Militao's long-term knee injury, and the fact that David Alaba has not yet returned after more than a year out.
Alaba is due to be back before the end of the month, but it will surely take some time before the Austrian is able to return to his best form considering the length of time that he has been out and the seriousness of the damage.
Jesus Vallejo is not in Real Madrid's plans and will move on at the end of the season, and there is expected to be a centre-back signing at Bernabeu this summer, with a number of youngsters being monitored.
The profile of the player that arrives will depend on Alaba's fitness and Militao's recovery, though, especially as Antonio Rudiger is set to stay at the club amid suggestions of interest from Saudi Arabia.
Matt Law
