Barcelona add new name to right-back target list | OneFootball

The brass at Barcelona have identified a member of the defensive ranks at La Liga rivals Rayo Vallecano as a potential transfer target.

That’s according to Diario Sport, citing Marca, who highlight Andrei Ratiu as the player in the sights of the Blaugrana.

It is of course common knowledge at this point that Deco and his transfer team have made securing fresh blood at full-back something of a priority with a view to next season.

As much comes with Hansi Flick having made clear that he is not satisfied with the options at his disposal behind the pairing of Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde.

A shortlist of targets has, in turn, been drawn up behind the scenes at the Camp Nou.

And, this week, the name of the aforementioned Ratiu was added to as much.

For those not familiar with his name, Ratiu is a 26-year-old Romanian international, who shone for his country at the European Championships over the summer.

The one-time Villarreal talent has since carried such form into the new season, continuing to prove himself one of Rayo Vallecano’s star performers.

And, according to Sport, such exploits have proven enough to pique the attentions of the aforementioned Barcelona.

Also in the running for Ratiu, though, are clubs from across the continent, not least Antonio Conte’s Serie A table-toppers Napoli.

The defender’s Rayo contract contains a release clause set at €25 million, but this sum is considered as negotiable.

Conor Laird – GSFN