La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are interested in signing 26-year-old Romanian full-back Andrei Ratiu from fellow La Liga club Rayo Vallecano next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet MARCA, Andrei Ratiu is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a right-back ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window. So, the Rayo Vallecano full-back has emerged as a target, with the Blaugrana already submitting an enquiry regarding the 26-year-old.
Who is Andrei Ratiu?
Andrei Ratiu has established himself as one of the best full-backs in La Liga since joining Rayo Vallecano from SD Huesca in August 2023. A native of Aiud, he spent his formative years in Spain, passing through the academies at three clubs and graduating from the youth division at Villarreal CF.
However, the 26-year-old has risen in prominence during his spell with Rayo Vallecano, going from strength to strength in the last 15 months. Ratiu has turned out 27 times thus far for Los Franjirrojos while chipping in with two goals and one assist, becoming a regular for the club this term.
Meanwhile, the Romanian defender’s progress at Rayo Vallecano has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Recent reports have linked Ratiu with Tottenham Hotspur. However, a move across La Liga might be on the cards, with FC Barcelona among his prospective suitors.
Move across La Liga on the horizon?
Barcelona’s interest in Andrei Ratiu is understandable. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a right-back ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window. While Jules Kounde has been exemplary in the position, he is primarily a centre-back and prefers to reprise that role.
So, several candidates, including Devyne Rensch, have emerged on Barcelona’s radar. However, Ratiu is also a viable target, considering his experience in La Liga. Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have submitted an enquiry for the Rayo Vallecano full-back, although his release clause worth €25 million might pose a problem.
The decision-makers at FC Barcelona believe they can negotiate the fee instead of paying €25 million to sign Ratiu. However, with Villarreal bound to receive 50 per cent from the player’s sale, Rayo Vallecano will look to recoup as much as possible while selling the 26-year-old Romanian international.