Romanian defender Andrei Rațiu has signed for Villarreal after activating a €25 million buy-back clause, also wanted by FC Barcelona.

Romanian international Andrei Rațiu leaves Rayo Vallecano after two seasons and returns to Villarreal, who have activated the buy-back clause. With a market value of €12m, Rațiu had a good season at Rayo, but Villarreal, who play in the Champions League, brought him back to strengthen the squad. Barcelona tried to buy him, but Villarreal acted quickly to strengthen their squad for next season.