Rayo Vallecano holding out for full release clause on Pep Chavarría — reports

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MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 01: Pep Chavarria of Rayo Vallecano reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 01, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Chelsea “opened talks” with Rayo Vallecano a couple weeks ago regarding a potential transfer Pep Chavarría, but so far we seem to be making very little, if any progress.

That’s not for a lack of trying: according to reports yesterday, the Blues have made at least one offer, meeting Rayo’s €15m asking price. But Rayo then “moved the goalposts”, and now want more money — in fact, they want the full €25m that’s set as the release clause in Chavarría’s contract. They must have seen how BlueCo do business and smelled an easy opportunity to get an extra ten mil.

Paying that would still be less in the end then simply exercising the release clause (which comes with a massive tax burden that the buyers usually cover), but obviously not great if we were looking to do business at a much lower price point.

The two teams are said to be talking still, so this is not over yet, but it sounds like we’re going to have to pay up if we really want Chavarría. Which … well … I don’t see the big need, but I’m not in charge (and those in charge might know more).

Chelsea continue in talks for Pep Chavarría as they hope to find a solution outside his release clause.

However, there is a feeling Rayo Vallecano have moved the goal-posts.

Understand #CFC were originally told to offer €15m and they hit that number, only for Vallecano to ask… pic.twitter.com/fVFBAiWQuA

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 13, 2026

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