Madrid, Aug 24 — Rayo Vallecano's problems continue to mount after Senegal international midfielder Pathe Ciss reportedly refused to train with the first team on Monday as he seeks a move away from the club.
Rayo are currently unable to play at their Vallecas Stadium because of urgent refurbishment work, while the squad has been weakened by the departures of central defender Nobel Mendy and left-back Pep Chavarria to Hull City and Chelsea, respectively.
Ciss, 32, is under contract until June 2027 but has received offers from clubs in the Premier League, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, where he could earn a significantly higher salary.
The Senegal international, who can play in central midfield or defense, joined Rayo in the summer of 2021 and has made 181 appearances for the Madrid-based club. He has also made 34 caps for Senegal.
Ciss has a release clause of 10 million euros (11.7 million U.S. dollars), and Rayo have so far refused to negotiate his departure.
The Spanish media reported that Ciss did not take part in first-team training on Monday morning and has refused to train as he attempts to persuade the club to consider offers before the transfer window closes.
Rayo have earned around 35 million euros from the sales of Mendy and Chavarria this summer but have yet to spend money on new signings. Ciss' departure would bring in further funds but would also leave the club with another significant gap in its squad.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona kicked off their La Liga title defense with a convincing 5-0 win away to Elche on Sunday. Barcelona took an early lead from the penalty spot through Raphinha, and debutant Karim Adeyemi doubled the advantage before halftime following an assist from Raphinha.
New signing Anthony Gordon came on as a second-half substitute before providing assists for Raphinha to score his second of the game and for Fermin Lopez to tap home Barcelona's fourth. Lopez rounded off the scoring with an excellent individual goal in the 79th minute.