Jules Koundé is completing a spectacular season with Hansi Flick. The French defender, who in other seasons alternated between the center-back and right-back positions, has definitively established himself as the owner of the flank. His performance is very good, solid in defense and with increasingly frequent contributions in attack, which has earned him the full confidence of the German coach.
However, Flick doesn't count on Héctor Fort for that position, and that has made Koundé the player with the most minutes played in the entire squad. The absence of a natural replacement at right-back forces the Frenchman to play practically everything, and that has made the club already work on signing.
Deco's Priorities
Deco already has clear priorities: sign a reliable left winger and urgently reinforce the right-back. The arrival of a full-back would allow better management of Koundé's minutes and give more depth to a squad that is limited in some positions.
Andrei Ratiu Is an Option That Appeals Greatly to Barça
Among the names on the table, one that is particularly liked is Andrei Ratiu. The Romanian international has caught Barça's attention for his performance and projection, and his physical profile and talent are valued very positively. His release clause is 25M, a figure manageable for the club if it manages to balance its accounts with strategic sales.
Additionally, his international experience and reliability in defensive duels make him an interesting profile for the coaching staff. Barça needs players who can perform from day one, and Ratiu seems to fit perfectly into that idea. The sports management is closely monitoring his development and doesn't rule out moving for him as soon as the market opens.
Deco's Favorite; Hansi Flick Has Given the 'Yes'
However, according to El Diario Sport, the top favorite to reinforce the right-back is Vanderson from Monaco. Deco has already had contacts with his entourage, and the feelings are positive. The 23-year-old Brazilian has experience in Ligue 1 and an impressive physique, which fits the idea of having a deep full-back capable of making a difference.
The most relevant thing is that, according to the same source, Flick has already given the 'yes' to his signing. This technical approval is key for Barça to advance in the negotiation. The operation, however, will depend on the final price set by Monaco and the ability of the blaugrana club to generate income.