Wolfsburg pursuit of Andrei Rațiu stalls, Vaclav Cerny to stay?

A strong pre-season performance in the Volkswagen Cup and a recent pre-season friendly against Magdeburg has VfL Wolfsburg rethinking the prospects of attacker Vaclav Cerny. The Czech international, just back from a loan stint with Rangers, appeared destined to be the third player loaned out by the Bundesliga outfit this summer. Now, matters have changed. 

Speaking to reporters after Cerny anchored the attack and scored a vital equalizer in the Magdeburg friends, new VfL head coach Paul Simonis spoke very highly of the 27-year-old. As a 26-times-capped Czech international who has scored seven goals for country, Cerny’s potential value to a club squad never really stood in question.

“He can really make the difference in attack,” Simonis – quoted by Kicker – said of Cerny. “He’s very creative on the ball, and has an excellent left foot and can surprise opponents with.“

Besiktas are rumored to be interested in acquiring Cerny on loan. Given that Cerny’s contract with Germany’s green company team runs until 2027, another loan this season remains a possibility. Simonis’ recent comments – also when speaking on his attacking corps after the VW cup – seem to nevertheless suggest that the Dutchman has ideas that differ with many outgoing transfer rumors.

Simonis would surely appreciate a new right back, but the Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung reports that Wolfsburg’s pursuit of Romanian fullback Andrei Rațiu has stalled. The Autostädter have seen €12m and €14m bids for the 21-times-capped international rejected by La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

Wolfsburg presently attempt to negotiate a loan deal for the €12m-valued player, whom few believe merits the cost of his current €25m release-clause. At present, Kilian Fischer is the only other natural right back on the VfL squad. 

GGFN | Peter Weis