Fulham are in talks to sign right-back Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano, with the 28-year-old understood to be open to the move ahead of Tuesday night's transfer window deadline.
Ratiu has made 104 appearances for the Madrid club since joining in 2023, establishing himself as a reliable defensive option in La Liga. He is primarily a right-back but capable of covering elsewhere in defence — useful flexibility for a Fulham side that has already made four signings this summer and is evidently looking to add depth across the pitch.
New head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Marco Silva in the dugout this summer, has been busy reshaping the squad. The Cottagers have brought in striker Gonzalo García and attacker César Palacios from Real Madrid, midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton, and made forward Jonah Kusi-Asare's loan from Bayern Munich permanent. Ratiu would represent a fifth addition if a deal can be finalised before the window closes.
A career built in Spain
Romania-born Ratiu has spent the bulk of his career in Spanish football. He came through Villarreal's academy and had a brief loan spell at Dutch side ADO Den Haag before a stint at Huesca. His move to Rayo Vallecano in 2023 gave him consistent La Liga exposure, and his 104 games for the club suggest he is no peripheral figure — though it is worth noting he will be leaving a team who finished in mid-table last season rather than European contenders.
At international level, Ratiu has been a regular for Romania, which means Fulham would be acquiring a player with experience of high-pressure fixtures, including the European Championship.
Pressure on Arbeloa to deliver
The timing matters. Fulham opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 home defeat to Chelsea on Monday, which will have focused minds on where the squad needs reinforcing. A 3-0 Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon on Thursday provided some relief, but Arbeloa will be aware the league table is what ultimately counts.
Adding a right-back with La Liga experience before the deadline shuts fits the pattern of Fulham's summer recruitment — primarily drawing from Spanish football and Arbeloa's network. Whether Ratiu makes an immediate impact or is brought in as cover will likely depend on how negotiations progress over the next 48 hours.
The market will be watching closely. If Fulham can get this one over the line, it rounds off a window in which the west London club have moved quickly and with clear intent under their new manager.
Frequently asked
- Who is Andrei Ratiu?
- Andrei Ratiu is a 28-year-old Romanian international right-back who plays for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. He has made over 100 appearances for the club since joining in 2023 and has been a regular for the Romania national team.
- When does the transfer window close?
- The summer 2025 transfer window closes on Tuesday night. Fulham are pushing to complete a deal for Ratiu before that deadline.
- What other signings have Fulham made this summer?
- Under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, Fulham have signed Gonzalo García and César Palacios from Real Madrid, Shea Charles from Southampton, and made Jonah Kusi-Asare's loan from Bayern Munich permanent.