Barcelona rule out move for La Liga full-back because of versatile defender’s displays | OneFootball

Not too long ago, Barcelona were in the market for a new right-back, with Andrei Ratiu emerging as one of the top targets.

The Rayo Vallecano star had emerged as a cost-effective option for Barcelona in their bid to add more depth and cover for Jules Kounde in the right-back position.

Going into the summer, Ratiu was an option Barcelona were strongly considering, especially after Kounde’s injury during the backend of the season.

Eric Garcia’s performances made Barcelona retract

However, Barcelona opted not to go after Ratiu eventually, primarily due to the performances of Eric Garcia, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Garcia, who was recalled to play in an unfamiliar right-back role, impressed head coach Hansi Flick with his adaptability and composure.

His showings during the final stretch of the season were solid enough for the coaching staff to rethink their transfer priorities.

Andrei Ratiu is expected to join Villarreal this summer (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

As a result, Barcelona no longer see signing a new right-back as an urgent task and have decided to shift focus to other positions, including the attack and midfield.

As for Ratiu, the Rayo Vallecano star is expected to leave the club this summer, with Villarreal in pole position to secure his services.

The Yellow Submarine own 50% of the player’s economic rights and have a buy-back clause reportedly set at just €7 million.

With a market value far below his €25 million release clause, Villarreal are in a strong position to land the Romanian international.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are focused on the acquisition of a new attacker, with Marcus Rashford and Luis Diaz emerging as the two key candidates.

Barcelona have also been strongly linked with a move for Joan Garcia, with the Espanyol goalkeeper reportedly on the verge of sealing a move to Camp Nou in the coming summer.