Barça is planning the squad for the next season and among the requests made by Hansi Flick is to strengthen the full-back positions. This campaign is going well, but the reality is that there hasn't been any serious injury that has complicated things. The German wants to have a convincing 'plan B' on the bench, capable of giving rest to the starters and having minutes in important matches.
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that the main option Barça has found is Andrei Ratiu. The full-back from Rayo Vallecano generates consensus in the culer sports management. The Romanian, 26 years old, is a convincing move that is very appealing at Camp Nou, seeing him as a high-level full-back capable of having many minutes in La Liga.
Andrei Ratiu is one of the players who has grown the most this year and his release clause reaches 25 million. In this regard, it seems that Rayo would be willing to negotiate, although his price would still be high, as he has attracted the interest of several major European clubs. He is a slightly more offensive profile than Koundé, who could fit well up front with Lamine Yamal.
Andrei Ratiu, the full-back that appeals to Barça
Andrei Ratiu intends to leave Vallecas when the current season ends and he has no shortage of offers. Barça has shown interest in signing him and has even spoken with his agent, who also represents Pedri and Ferran Torres.
Hansi Flick has given the green light to the possible arrival of Ratiu, for whom negotiations would be necessary. At Barça, they believe his signing could reach 10 million euros, possibly even less by offering a loan in exchange. There are good relations with Rayo Vallecano, which would help in negotiations.
The arrival of Andrei Ratiu would cause changes
If Andrei Ratiu ultimately joins Barcelona, changes will be necessary in the defensive area. All eyes are on the youth player Héctor Fort, who doesn't quite convince Flick. He is too young and needs a place to progress and have minutes every weekend.
In this regard, the plan is clear at Barça: sign a full-back of Andrei Ratiu's caliber and let Héctor Fort leave on loan. This is the plan for the next season.