As they continue to contemplate whether or not to pay for Oscar Mingueza, Aston Villa They have reportedly set their sights on a potential replacement option in one of La Liga's fastest players.
Aston Villa transfer news
Following the pending sale of Jaden Philogene for £21m, those in the Midlands can step onto the arrivals front. Names like Donnell Malin And of course, Mingueza They have already been mentioned among the options the Villas 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 high on Villa's wishlist in the right-back department, but his €20m (£17m) valuation could be enough to turn those in the Midlands away from any deal and instead towards another La Liga player.
According to the Relivo website. Aston Villa are now targeting a move to sign Andre Ratio From Rayo Vallecano this month. The right-back has reportedly been the third-fastest player in La Liga so far this season – clocking a speed of 35.38km/h – and he can now add that electric speed to Unai EmeryBack line.
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He is gradually becoming an important part of the current Rayo Vallecano squad, and it remains to be seen how demanding the Spanish side will be to agree to the sale of their defender.
Whether it's Ratio, Mingueza or another alternative option, adding a new face on the right side of their defense appears to be among Aston Villa's priorities this month.
A “quick” rate can replace cash
One player who the latest rumors should worry about is Matty Cash, who would be in immediate danger of losing his starting role under Emery if Ratio arrives before the end of the January transfer window. The Romanian enjoyed an excellent performance at Euro 2024, and can still replicate that performance on the biggest stage of the tournament Premier League – Leaving Cash to settle for a place on the bench.
|
League Statistics 24/25 (via FBref) |
Andrei Ratio |
Matty Cash |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
15 |
12 |
|
Key passes |
13 |
5 |
|
Tackles won |
20 |
17 |
|
Retrieve the ball |
73 |
37 |
Although the analyst Ben Mattinson Described as 'fast', the right-back is also much more than just a quick defender as the numbers abound. Outperforming Cash so far this season, Ratiu has demonstrated his ability to make an impact going forward while being perfectly placed to regain possession at an impressive rate – something that Cash has by contrast struggled with.
So, if Villa are not willing to meet Mingueza's valuation, the Rayo Vallecano man is a smart second option – especially if they can secure a cheap transfer fee before the end of the January transfer window.