Hansi Flick has closely followed him and hasn't taken his eyes off him throughout the entire season. Barça's coach has declared himself a fan of Andrei Ratiu, right-back for Rayo Vallecano, and has personally requested his signing from Deco.
Flick believes it's necessary to strengthen that position in the first team's squad, and he has made him his top priority for next summer. After months of following him, the decision has been made to pursue his signing, but it won't be easy.
Rayo demands 25 million for Andrei Ratiu
At 26 years old, Andrei Ratiu has broken out this season at Rayo Vallecano. He is delivering a great performance, to the point of securing an undisputed starting position and he has a contract until 2028. However, he would be delighted to wear Barça's jersey, and this is something the Madrid club plans to capitalize on financially.
Rayo's sporting director David Cobeño recently spoke on Radio MARCA. He has been clear and leaves no room for doubt: there will be no possible negotiation for Andrei Ratiu. "He is 50% our player, if someone wants to ask us about him, we can talk, but we will demand the clause."
"It's his first season in the elite continuously, and we want him to stay with us. He is an essential pillar for the team to continue growing in the championship next year," Cobeño pointed out.
By demanding Ratiu's clause, Rayo Vallecano has decided to set a public price of 25 million euros. Deco already knows how much it costs, and now he must decide what the next step is.
Andrei Ratiu, a complicated signing for Barça
Ratiu arrived in Spain at 6 years old, and Villarreal captured him at 15, although he only played in yellow once. He went to Huesca and from there to Rayo Vallecano. Although Villarreal has always maintained 50% of his rights, so they will receive half of the total amount of the operation.
What this means is that of these theoretical 25 million that mark his clause, Rayo would keep half. It remains to be seen what Barça will do now, which saw Andrei Ratiu as a favorable option being a low cost option.
There was no plan to make a significant investment for the right-wing substitute, with Fort in mind for the future. Hansi Flick wants Andrei Ratiu, but now there could be a change of plans. Deco has to try to negotiate with Rayo Vallecano...