Pathé Ciss refuses Rayo Vallecano training amid exit push

Pathé Ciss has refused to train with Rayo Vallecano as he seeks to force a departure from the club. The Senegal international started both of Rayo’s first two LaLiga matches, but his refusal to join Monday’s session has placed his future in Madrid under renewed doubt. The transfer window closes on September 1.

Rayo have taken one point from their opening two league games and are 14th in the table. They have drawn once and lost once, scoring two goals and conceding three. Their wider recent form shows three defeats and two victories: losses to Feyenoord, Heart of Midlothian and Crystal Palace were followed by wins over Alavés and Villarreal. Their next LaLiga match is away to Barcelona on August 31.

Ciss, 32, has spent several seasons attempting to find a new club. Lyon came close to signing him two years ago, while Rayo prevented a move last year after the president said the offers did not match the midfielder’s value. The Senegal player is frustrated that the club has continued to reject approaches from interested teams. His decision to stay away from training is intended to increase pressure on Rayo’s management with the deadline approaching.

The dispute is the latest chapter in a difficult transfer situation for Ciss, who could now be nearing the end of his time at Rayo. For the club, the issue comes as preparations continue for the trip to Barcelona, with Ciss’s availability and status unresolved.