'A lot of money' - Tottenham 'transfer target' opens up on £21m release clause amid summer exit rumours

Tottenham are due to make several signings in defence in the summer transfer window after struggling for depth this season under Ange Postecoglou.

They have seen injuries to the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies this season, meaning that Postecoglou has had to play midfielder Archie Gray as a centre-back.

Due to their struggles this season, Spurs will likely try to improve their depth in defence during the summer transfer window.

Tottenham-linked defender unfocused on transfer rumours

With Spurs set to add more depth in defence in the summer window, they have been linked to signing Rayo Vallecano Andrei Ratiu, who has impressed in La Liga this season. The Romania international has made 26 appearances this season for Ratiu, scoring two goals and contributing two assists for Vallecano.

According to SportWitness, Spurs are keen on the defender who has a £21 million release clause in his contract at Vallecano. They also report that Barcelona are keen on the 26-year-old. He was asked about these links by Spanish outlet ABC and said: “Honestly, I am very focused on Rayo and the national team. We have the objective of staying up, which is not yet a reality.

“For me, €25m is a lot of money… First, we will have to see if there are offers, but I have always liked La Liga and I want to continue playing here”

The Romanian defender joined Vallecano in 2023 from fellow Spanish side Huesca. Before that, he was a product of Villarreal’s academy, before he moved to Huesca in 2021. Ratiu could join his Romania teammate Radu Dragusin at Tottenham if they were to pay his release clause in the summer, and he’d provide Postecoglou with an attacking right-back who can be a back-up or replacement for Pedro Porro.

Ratiu could replace Porro amid Man City and Real Madrid interest

If Tottenham were to sign the Romanian defender, he could become a long-term replacement for Spanish right-back Pedro Porro, who has been subject to transfer interest. Reports emerged in the Autumn of 2024 that Premier League rivals Manchester City are interested in Porro, who was previously a City player between 2019 and 2022, although he never made an appearance.

Real Madrid are also said to be keen on Porro as an alternative target should they fail to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires at the end of the season, making him a free agent. Porro has made 40 appearances for Spurs this season, scoring two goals and contributing seven assists. He is expected to be worth around £40 million according to TransferMarkt.

For your next Tottenham read, Spurs have been linked to signing a centre-back from Leeds United, who is valued at £25 million.