Rayo Vallecano identify first-choice Andrei Rațiu replacement | OneFootball

The brass at La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano have earmarked their ideal replacement, in the case of star right-back Andrei Rațiu moving on this summer.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Hugo Rincón as the player in question.

The subject of the right-back spot in Rayo’s squad has proven an altogether prominent one in the media chatter heading into the summer transfer window.

This comes amid mounting interest in the signature of the aforementioned Andrei Rațiu.

Romanian international Rațiu is fresh off a stellar campaign in 2024/25, which saw the 26-year-old emerge as one of Spanish football’s standout performers.

Fully aware that they could face a tough task in holdin onto Rațiu for next season, Iñigo Pérez and co. have therefore drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements.

And sitting front and centre on this list, as alluded to above, is Hugo Rincón.

As per MD, Rincón, who has shone on loan in the Spanish 2nd tier with Mirandés this season, has seen his name circled in red at Vallecas.

In the case of Rațiu departing, Rayo are therefore ready to open negotiations with La Liga rivals Athletic Club, over a deal for Rincón’s signature.

Conor Laird – GSFN