FC Barcelona Has Made an Unexpected Turn in Their Planning for the Upcoming Season. Hansi Flick Has Made It Clear That He Doesn't Count on Héctor Fort, a footballer who had been a firm bet by Xavi Hernández. However, with the German coach, the young academy player has lost much prominence and is shaping up to be one of the certain departures from the club next transfer market.
The blaugrana Coach Has Shown His Preference for Jules Koundé at Right Back. Although the Frenchman has expressed his desire to play as a central defender on several occasions, Flick considers him immovable in that position. This decision leaves Fort without opportunities, as he is not receiving the minutes he wanted.
The lack of confidence from the coach has pushed the academy player to consider a departure in search of continuity. Barcelona's sports management is aware of the situation and is already working on alternatives to strengthen the right back position. The club needs a reliable option that can compete with Koundé and provide depth to the squad.
Ratiu, the Option That Barça Likes the Most
With Fort Practically Discarded and No Clear Replacement, Barça Has Reactivated Their Interest in One of the Options Already on the Agenda. It is one of the great revelations of LaLiga and is very much liked by President Joan Laporta. Flick has urgently requested the signing of a footballer who can play on the right flank, and the club will try to make it happen.
One of the Names Gaining Weight in the blaugrana Offices Is Andrei Ratiu. The Romanian international, currently at Rayo Vallecano, is an option that pleases both for his physical attributes and his experience in LaLiga. His profile fits what Flick is looking for: a full-back with range, defensive capability, and offensive projection.
25 Million Euros Release Clause
Ratiu Has a Release Clause of 25 Million Euros, an amount that Barcelona considers manageable if they can create salary space. The club is working on several departures to comply with Financial Fair Play and to be able to make new signings. If they manage to balance the accounts, the signing of the Romanian could become a priority.
The 26-Year-Old Footballer Has Proven His Worth at Rayo, establishing himself as one of the most complete full-backs outside the big clubs. His great ability to adapt to different schemes and his performance at the elite level have put him on Barça's radar, which continues to evaluate his incorporation. Not Only Is Barça Attentive to His Future, but So Is Villarreal, a Team That Owns Part of His Rights.
Ratiu Was Trained at the Yellow Team and Villarreal Has a Buyback Option for the Romanian Full-Back of 7 Million Euros. That option is valid as long as the player from Aiud belongs to the team presided over by Raúl Martín Presa. Fernando Roig's Team Also Has 50% of What Rayo Earns from the Romanian International.