Barcelona ready to pay €20m on proven La Liga full-back as club opens door to negotiations | OneFootball

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has identified Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu as a prime target for strengthening the squad.

In fact, according to the latest reports from El Nacional, Deco sees him as a valuable addition to the team, and Barcelona is preparing an approach to secure his services.

Ratiu, who joined Rayo Vallecano in 2023, has developed into a complete full-back, offering both defensive solidity and attacking support. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and at 26 years old, he is seen as a player with plenty of room to grow.

His current contract includes a release clause set at €25 million, but Barcelona are looking to negotiate a lower fee, with a €20 million bid being considered a reasonable figure for the defender.

Flick’s green signal

Interestingly, Hansi FLick is also in favour of bringing Ratiu to the squad. The German coach values full-backs who not only provide stability at the back but also contribute to attacking phases.

Ratiu fits this profile, making him an ideal candidate to compete with Jules Kounde for the right-back position.

Andrei Ratiu is liked by Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Flick believes that adding him would improve squad depth and allow Kounde to operate more frequently in central defence, where he is more comfortable.

Deco’s pursuit of Ratiu is part of a larger plan to enhance Barcelona’s defensive options. The club has struggled with consistency in the right-back role, and while Kounde has been a reliable option, having strong competition would only push performances to a higher level.

Rayo Vallecano aware of this

Rayo Vallecano are aware that keeping hold of Ratiu for the long term will be difficult. The Madrid-based club has built a reputation for nurturing talented players, and they know that serious offers will arrive sooner rather than later.

Although Rayo has set his release clause at €25 million, there is a willingness to negotiate. A deal around €20 million could be reached, especially if Barcelona includes performance-based bonuses or a future resale percentage in the agreement.

With Barcelona eager to reinforce their defensive ranks, Ratiu’s potential arrival could provide much-needed depth and competition. The negotiations are expected to advance in the coming weeks as both clubs look for a mutually beneficial solution.