Fulham in talks to sign defender Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano in potential €25M deal

Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign Romanian international Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano, with the Premier League club considering activating the defender’s €25 million release clause to get it done before the transfer window shuts.

Personal terms between Ratiu and Fulham have already been agreed, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, which means the only thing standing between the 28-year-old and a move to Craven Cottage is a club-to-club resolution on the fee.

The deal on the table

The €25 million release clause represents a significant premium over Ratiu’s estimated market value of around €18 million.

Rayo Vallecano have shown no interest in negotiating below the clause. They rejected an €18 million bid from an unnamed Premier League club last year, making it clear that any suitor would need to meet the full asking price or walk away.

If completed, this would rank among Rayo Vallecano’s largest-ever sales.

Fulham aren’t the only English club that’s come knocking. Nottingham Forest have also made inquiries about Ratiu’s availability, and Liverpool’s name has surfaced in connection with the defender at various points throughout 2026.

What Ratiu brings to Fulham

Ratiu has been a consistent performer since arriving at Rayo Vallecano in 2023. His regular appearances across La Liga and the UEFA Conference League have cemented his reputation as one of the more reliable right-backs outside of Spain’s traditional top three clubs.

His contract situation at Rayo is notable. The Spanish club acquired his rights from Villarreal in 2025 and promptly extended his deal through 2030.

Timing and context

With August 29 marking one of the final days of the transfer window, the urgency around this deal is palpable. Fulham need to either trigger the release clause or reach an alternative arrangement with Rayo before the deadline passes.

Release clause activations in Spain tend to be relatively clean transactions, at least mechanically. The buying club deposits the clause amount with La Liga, and the player is freed from his contract.

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