Article by Daniel Grigore – published on Thursday, 07 August 2025, 17:57 / Updated Thursday, 07 August 2025 18:16
Rayo Vallecano paid 3.5 million euros to buy from Villarreal the remaining 50% of Andrei Rațiu (27 years old). The Romanian defender is now 100% the player of the Vallecas team.
When he gave in to Andrei Rațiu, Villarreal kept 50% of the footballer's federal rights. This would have meant that at a possible departure from Rayo of the Romanian, the “yellow submarine” would collect half of the transfer amount.
Villarreal also had the opportunity to redeem the rait for 7.5 million euros, but chose not to. Moreover, accepted Rayo's offer to quit the remaining 50% of the footballer's rights.
Rayo Vallecano, agree with Villarreal for Andrei Rațiu
The business was announced official by Rayo: “The Romanian international became, practically, the property of the Madrilen club.”
Moving A can cost Rayo up to 5 million eurosaccording to journalist Javi Mata, close to Villarreal: 3.5 as a fixed amount, 1.5 in the form of potential bonuses. Villarreal also kept a redemption clause greater than the previous one, which amounts to 7.5 million euros.
Rayo had paid 500,000 euros for the Romanian in the summer of 2023, when he transferred.
Rațiu impressed last season, in which he helped Rayo qualify in Conference League, playing in 35 of the 38 championship stages. He scored twice and offered 3 decisive passes.
It was taken into account even by the officials of Barcelona, but the idea of such a transfer has not materialized.
