FC Barcelona Continues to Chart Its Course for the Upcoming Transfer Market. Hansi Flick has already conveyed some clear requests to the sports management, and one of them involves finding an immediate solution for the right-back position.
Jules Koundé has had to shoulder the entire burden of the position this season. His performance has been remarkable, but Flick believes he can't repeat this overload of minutes if the team wants to compete for all titles next season.
Flick Doesn't Trust the Current Alternative
Héctor Fort was the natural option to give the Frenchman a break, but the German coach has made it clear that he doesn't see him ready. He has only had minutes in very specific matches, almost always out of necessity, and hasn't managed to secure a stable spot in the rotation.
In light of this situation, Flick has asked Laporta for a reinforcement with experience and competitive level. The club has already set to work, and Deco has made a move for a footballer who has earned the respect of all LaLiga. One of the revelations of the season at Rayo Vallecano.
The Player Chosen by Barça to Strengthen That Area of the Field Is Andrei Rațiu, the Current Right Wing-Back of the Madrid Team. His defensive ability, speed, and commitment make him an ideal option to compete with Koundé.
From the Catalan club, it is believed that Rațiu can adapt very well to Barça's style. He has character, knows how to associate in short, and can project himself dangerously into the attack. In Vallecas, he has performed at a very high level, and that hasn't gone unnoticed by anyone.
The Problem: The 25 Million Release Clause
The Major Obstacle to Closing Rațiu's Signing Is the Price. His release clause is set at 25 million euros, an amount that Barça is not willing to pay for a player who will arrive, in principle, as a substitute.
Therefore, the blaugrana sports management has sought alternatives. The solution involves lowering the operation's cost by including a player who might interest Rayo Vallecano. And there appears a figure that could completely unlock the negotiations.
Laporta and Deco Have Proposed Offering the Loan of a Player Who Isn't in Flick's Plans. He is a young footballer, with talent and projection, but who needs minutes and confidence away from Camp Nou to continue growing.
The profile fits perfectly with what Rayo is looking for: an offensive, creative player with the ability to make a difference in the final third. The Madrid club has shown interest in incorporating this young promise, who hasn't managed to settle in the first team culé.
Confirmed: The Player Entering the Operation Is...
Finally, the Footballer That Barça Has Offered to Facilitate Andrei Rațiu's Signing Is Pablo Torre. The Cantabrian hasn't had real opportunities this season and has already communicated his intention to seek an exit.
Despite his limited minutes, whenever he has had the chance to play, he has shown glimpses of his enormous quality. Rayo Vallecano Is Delighted with the Possibility of Incorporating Him and Believes He Can Be a Key Reinforcement for Their Squad.
The operation, if closed in the coming days, will allow Barça to sign the right-back they so desperately need without paying the full 25 million. Meanwhile, Pablo Torre will have the opportunity to regain his form in an ideal environment.