Meeting with Pedri’s agents sparks Barcelona’s interest in 26-year-old La Liga star – report | OneFootball

According to a recent update provided by Mario Rios through Mundo Deportivo, it has come to light that Deco recently met with Pedri’s representatives, with the primary agenda being the extension of the young midfielder’s contract.

However, the meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss other players, most notably Andrei Ratiu, a right-back currently playing for Rayo Vallecano.

Ratiu, a 26-year-old Romanian defender, has been gaining attention across Europe following his impressive performances at the last European Championship.

In fact, clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, AS Roma, Napoli, and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly monitoring his progress.

His agents know Barcelona’s necessity

As it turns out, Ratiu’s agents, who also represent Pedri, are aware that Barcelona consistently evaluates the market, particularly for the right-back position.

Andrei Ratiu is a subject of interest for Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

This is why during the meeting, Ratiu’s name was brought up, and the Catalan club expressed an interest in his situation, as they are already familiar with his abilities.

Barcelona currently have options at right-back, including Jules Kounde, who has adapted well to the role, and Hector Fort, an 18-year-old academy product still developing his skills.

While the club has shown immense trust in Fort, recognising his potential, Ratiu offers more experience both domestically and internationally. This could make him an appealing option as Barcelona seeks to strengthen their defensive depth.

Barcelona will not rush

Despite their interest, Barcelona remains cautious regarding Ratiu’s contract situation. The Romanian is tied to Rayo Vallecano until 2028, and Villarreal hold a 50% stake in his rights, along with a buyback clause.

This complicates any potential move, as Villarreal could intervene if they choose to re-sign him.

For now, Barcelona continue to monitor Ratiu’s performances at Rayo. The club is known for being strategic with signings, especially in financially constrained times, and will likely evaluate whether pursuing the defender aligns with their current needs and long-term plans.