Barcelona ready to splash ₦31 billion on LALIGA proven defender
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(C) Deco sporting director of Barcelona and (R) Hansi Flick head coach of Barcelona during the training prior the Spanish Super Cup final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, || iMage credit: Imago

Barcelona ready to splash ₦31 billion on LALIGA proven defender

Faruq Ibrahim 17:17 - 02.03.2025

The Blaugrana are already adding names to their summer transfer window wishlist.

Barcelona have reportedly identified Romanian defender Andrei Ratiu as an ideal option in defence, as they are keen on bolstering their full-back options next season. 

The 26-year-old joined Rayo Vallecano in the summer of 2023 from another Spanish side, Huesca, and has been an integral member of the team that has steadily punched above their weight throughout their current stint in LALIGA.

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Barcelona readying Ratiu move 

According to a report from Spanish publication El Nacional, Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, is a fan of Ratiu and is preparing a summer move for the defender. 

Per the report, Rayo Vallecano have been made aware, and they referred the Blaugrana to the 26-year-old’s €25 million release clause. However, the LALIGA leaders are hoping to negotiate a lesser fee, in the region of €20 million. 

March 1, 2025, Madrid, Spain: Andrei Florin Ratiu (Rayo Vallecano) seen in action during the LaLiga EA SPORTS game between Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla FC at Estadio de Vallecas || Image credit: Imago
March 1, 2025, Madrid, Spain: Andrei Florin Ratiu (Rayo Vallecano) seen in action during the LaLiga EA SPORTS game between Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla FC at Estadio de Vallecas || Image credit: Imago

Hansi Flick is also said to have consented to the deal, as he values Ratiu’s talents and hopes to provide competition for Jules Kounde at right-back, as well as create a dynamic in which the France international can play more games at centre-back, his preferred position. 

It remains to be seen if the Blaugrana will see the deal through, as Deco has previously suggested they might not make any signings in the summer, as he is comfortable with the current state of the squad.

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