Barça Is Clear That One of Its Priorities in the Next Transfer Market Will Be to Strengthen the Full-Backs. Hansi Flick is clear that Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are the undisputed starters on the right and left flanks, respectively. However, the German coach believes that the squad needs more reliable replacements to compete at the highest level throughout the season.
The Physical Wear and Tear and the Accumulation of Matches Make Having Reliable Alternatives Essential. Flick wants players who can rotate without the team losing defensive solidity or attacking depth. Although the club's economic situation is limited and the club is focused on strengthening the forward line, the sports management is working on additions to improve the squad in this area.
Jules Koundé Is the Player with the Most Minutes in the Entire Squad
The priority reinforcement among the full-backs is the right one. Jules Koundé is the player who has played the most minutes in the squad and barely rests. The overload of matches has taken its toll on him in several phases of the season, and Flick knows he can't rely on him throughout the next season without a substitute.
Héctor Fort Only Plays a Few Minutes at the End of Matches, but the German coach doesn't consider him a reliable option for the short term. In this context, Barça has set itself the goal of finding a right-back who offers immediate performance and can compete for the starting position with Koundé.
Andrei Ratiu Is the Main Candidate for Summer
One of the names that has been most mentioned in the blaugrana offices is Andrei Ratiu, current player of Rayo Vallecano. The Romanian full-back is having a great season in La Liga and his profile fits what Barça is looking for: speed, defensive ability and a lot of offensive projection. Additionally, his experience in the Spanish league would allow him to quickly adapt to the culé play style.
Ratiu Has a Release Clause of 25 Million, an amount that, although not exorbitant, represents a significant effort for Barça's economy. Despite this, the club considers him the ideal candidate to strengthen the right-back position, as he has the necessary conditions to compete at the highest level.
A Barça Player Will Go to Rayo Vallecano to Lower the 25 M
However, Barça's Intention Is Not to Pay the 25 Million Euros Stipulated in Ratiu's Clause. According to 'El Nacional.cat', the sports management is exploring formulas to reduce the operation by including players in the negotiation. One of the names that could enter the equation is Pablo Torre, whose future at the blaugrana club seems complicated.
Rayo Vallecano could be interested in receiving a young player in the operation, which would facilitate a beneficial agreement for both parties. In the coming months, it will be determined whether Andrei Ratiu finally becomes the new right-back of the blaugrana team.