Rayo Vallecano have identified Portuguese goalkeeper José Sá as a leading option to cover for the injured Augusto Batalla. The Madrid club's sporting department is acting urgently after confirming the Argentine keeper will be out for several months with a tibia fracture suffered on the opening LaLiga matchday.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Rayo's interest in José Sá has gained momentum in the last few hours. Negotiations to sign Aitor Fernández, the backup keeper at Osasuna, have stalled, leading the club to explore other avenues. José Sá, 33, has been at Wolverhampton Wanderers for five seasons and has just been relegated to the English Championship.
José Sá would arrive at Vallecas with extensive top-level experience. The Portuguese goalkeeper has been first choice at Wolverhampton in recent years and previously played for Olympiacos and Porto. He was also called up for Portugal's squad at the last World Cup. His profile contrasts with that of Stole Dimitrievski, Rayo's established number one, who has been a key figure between the posts.
Signing Sá would provide direct competition for Dimitrievski and offer immediate security during Batalla's long-term absence. The Madrid club has just over 24 hours to complete this signing before the Spanish transfer window closes this Thursday. The deal could come alongside the signing of striker Andreas Cornelius, pointing to a very active end to the window for Rayo.
Augusto Batalla's injury leaves Rayo with only one senior goalkeeper, Stole Dimitrievski, for the coming weeks. Batalla, 24, suffered the fracture in Week 1 against Real Betis. His recovery is estimated at several months, keeping him off the pitch well into 2027. This emergency situation has forced the club to move quickly in the market.
Rayo's schedule is demanding in the coming weeks, with key matches ahead. After the international break, the team returns to action on September 13th with a trip to San Mamés to face Athletic Club. All upcoming fixtures are listed on our fixtures calendar. The need for a reliable goalkeeper is therefore pressing.
Rayo Vallecano are in a race against time. The Spanish transfer window is set to close on Thursday, September 3rd at 23:59. This leaves the club with a very tight timeframe to negotiate and finalise José Sá's transfer. Talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers are advanced and could be concluded in the coming hours.
Sá's departure from the English club seems logical following their relegation to the second tier. The Portuguese goalkeeper is under contract with Wolves until June 2027, so the deal would likely be a loan or a permanent transfer. Rayo, currently 14th in the standings, are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department to secure their LaLiga status. Signing Sá would be the team's second winter reinforcement, after the arrival of Cornelius.
Rayo Vallecano expect José Sá to join training this Friday if the agreement is sealed, in time to prepare for the next league match.
