As they continue to weigh whether to meet Oscar Mingueza’s price, Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on a potential alternative option in one of La Liga’s fastest players.
Aston Villa transfer news
Following the pending sale of Jaden Philogene for a reported £21m, those in the Midlands could see action on the arrivals front. Names such as Donyell Malen and of course Minguez they have already been mentioned among the options the Villans could turn to this month, but it remains to be seen how much they will be in a position to spend.
Mingueza is a particularly interesting case. The defender is said to be at the top of Villa’s wish-list in the right-back department, but his €20m (£17m) valuation could still be enough to dissuade those in the Midlands from making any deal and move towards the other La Liga ace instead.
According to Relev, Aston Villa are now targeting the signing of Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano this month. The right-back has reportedly been the third-fastest player in La Liga so far this season – clocking in at 35.38km/h – and could now add to that electric pace Unai Emeryback line.
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Gradually becoming an increasingly important part of Rayo Vallecano’s current squad, it remains to be seen how much the Spanish side demand to approve the sale of their defender.
Whether it’s Ratiu, Mingueza or another alternative option, adding a fresh face to the right side of their defense seems to be among Aston Villa’s priorities this month.
“Rapid” Ratiu could replace Cash
One player the recent rumors should worry about is Matty Cash, who would be in immediate danger of losing his starting role under Emery if Ratiu arrives before the end of the January transfer window. The Romanian enjoyed an excellent Euro 2024 and could yet repeat that performance on the biggest stage in Premier League – leaving Cash to settle for a spot on the bench.
|
League statistics 24/25 (via FBref) |
Andrej Ratiu |
Matty Cash |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
15 |
12 |
|
Key passes |
13 |
5 |
|
Tackles Won |
20 |
17 |
|
Ball recovery |
73 |
37 |
Although an analyst Ben Mattinson described Ratiu as “quick”, the right-back is also much more than just a defender as the numbers make abundantly clear. Outscoring Cash so far this season, Ratiu has proven his ability to make an impact going forward while being perfectly positioned to win back possessions at an impressive rate – something Cash has struggled with in contrast.
So if Villa are unwilling to meet Mingueza’s valuation, then the Rayo Vallecano man is an intelligent second-choice option – especially if they can secure a cheap transfer fee before the end of the January transfer window.
