Barcelona contact 26-year-old Romania international over deal to sign him as replacement for Jules Kounde in January: Reports
Barcelona have initiated contact to sign Andrei Ratiu in January, according to El Nacional. The Catalans are looking for a new right-back in the winter owing to Jules Kounde's recent struggles.
Manager Hansi Flick is eager to add more quality to the position and has identified Ratiu as an option. The Romanian right-back has caught the eye with Rayo Vallecano this season, registering one goal and one assist from 13 games.
His all-action style of play has earned him admirers at Camp Nou. The 26-year-old is equally capable at both ends of the pitch, combining defensive solidity very well with attacking adventure.
His €10m price tag also makes him an enticing prospect for the LaLiga giants. Barcelona's financial issues are well documented, and the opportunity to sign Ratiu for a nominal fee will certainly appeal to the club.
The Catalans have already reached out to the player's camp, as well as the Madrid-based club to facilitate a deal. The player is under contract at the Estadio de Vallecas until 2028.
The Romanian's arrival would add more depth to the right-back position, providing much-needed cover for Kounde. The Frenchman is expected to thrive under the competition as well.
Alternatively, Andrei Ratiu's arrival could also allow Kounde to operate in his preferred central role in defense. The 25-year-old has played exclusively in the right-back position for Barcelona this season, registering one goal and six assists from 22 games.
Will Barcelona sign a new central defender in 2025?
Barcelona are apparently close to securing the services of Jonathan Tah, according to recent reports. The German defender's contract with Bayer Leverkusen will expire at the end of this season.
Tah has already announced that he will not sign a new deal with the Bundesliga giants and is now looking for his next adventure. Multiple clubs have been linked with the 28-year-old, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
However, it now appears that the Catalans have stolen a march on their rivals. Sporting manager Deco recently had a meeting with the player's entourage to discuss a move.
It is now believed that Tah is impressed by the LaLiga giants' plans and visions and is willing to move to Camp Nou. With Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo staring at uncertain futures, the German defender's proposed arrival could be a big boost for Barcelona. Tah helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga and the DBF Pokal last season.