FC Barcelona is actively seeking to strengthen their right-back position for the upcoming season. Reports indicate that manager Hansi Flick has decided not to include Hรฉctor Fort in his plans, prompting the club to explore external options. One prominent candidate is Andrei Ratiu, the 26-year-old Romanian defender currently playing for Rayo Vallecano. Ratiu has impressed this season with his defensive solidity and offensive contributions, making him an attractive option for Barcelona. ๎cite๎turn0news25๎
Ratiu’s contract includes a โฌ25 million release clause, a figure that Barcelona considers reasonable given his performances. The club has reportedly initiated discussions with Ratiu’s representatives, who also manage Barcelona players Pedri and Ferran Torres, potentially facilitating negotiations. ๎cite๎turn0search0๎ However, Ratiu’s impressive form has also attracted interest from other European clubs, including teams from the Premier League and Serie A, which could complicate Barcelona’s pursuit. ๎cite๎turn0news24๎
Internally, the decision to seek a new right-back stems from Flick’s assessment of the current squad. While Jules Koundรฉ has been a reliable presence, the lack of experienced alternatives has been a concern. Hรฉctor Fort, though a promising talent from the youth academy, has not yet convinced Flick of his readiness for regular first-team action. Consequently, the club is considering loaning Fort to gain experience, while securing a seasoned player like Ratiu to provide immediate competition and depth in the right-back position. ๎cite๎turn0search1๎
As the situation develops, Barcelona’s management will need to act decisively to secure Ratiu’s services amidst growing competition, ensuring the squad is well-equipped for the challenges of the upcoming season.
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