Hansi Flick has arrived at Camp Nou with the goal of restoring greatness to FC Barcelona. Since his arrival, the results have improved significantly, and the team is experiencing one of its best moments of the season. The management is satisfied with his work and is already starting to look for reinforcements for the next campaign.
With the economic crisis in the process of being solved, Barça is exploring the best market options, and there is a name that is increasingly gaining attention. A player who has already excelled at Bernabéu and was also on Real Madrid's agenda. However, he has made a clear decision and has left the white club, moving closer to the blaugrana orbit.
A Strategic Signing for the Defense
Barça has a squad full of young talent, combined with experienced footballers like Robert Lewandowski and Íñigo Martínez. However, Hansi Flick believes there is still room for improvement in several positions and has already identified an area where he wants a TOP reinforcement.
Real Madrid had also shown interest in this footballer, closely following his performances in LaLiga. However, the player, after evaluating the options, has decided to prioritize FC Barcelona.
He excelled at Bernabéu and Made It Clear He's Ready to Make the Leap
The player in question is Andrei Ratiu, the right-back from Rayo Vallecano, who had an outstanding performance at Santiago Bernabéu. In his last match against Real Madrid, he completely stopped Vinícius Júnior, showing great defensive ability and personality.
This has not been his only great performance of the season. A few weeks ago, he also had an excellent match at Camp Nou, which did not go unnoticed by Hansi Flick and Joan Laporta.
Barça's interest is no coincidence. Flick wants to strengthen the right flank, where Jules Koundé has assumed the role of starter, but without a natural substitute. Andrei Ratiu would fit perfectly in that role, allowing for greater rotation and rest for the Frenchman.
Price and Contractual Situation
Andrei Ratiu's market value is 7 million euros, but his release clause with Rayo Vallecano amounts to 25M.
Real Madrid had considered signing him as an alternative to strengthen the right-back position, but Barça's offer has been more convincing. Ratiu has decided to prioritize the culé option, and his arrival could be finalized in the coming weeks.
With an affordable signing and proven performance in LaLiga, Barça has all the cards to close the deal. Flick has already given his approval and trusts that Ratiu can compete with Koundé for a spot in the starting eleven.
If confirmed, it would be a blow for Madrid, which is left without a reinforcement that was on its agenda. Meanwhile, Barça secures a key addition without needing to make a significant investment.