La Liga defender breaks silence on future amid Barcelona, Atletico Madrid interest | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to enter the market for a new right-back in the summer transfer window. The Blaugrana have decided to bring in a player to provide cover and competition for Jules Kounde in the position.

Even though the summer window is still a few months away, planning is already underway with targets being identified for the position. And one player who has caught the eye of the Blaugrana is Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu.

The 26-year-old right-back has been a standout performer for Inigo Perez’s team this season, following a fine run at the UEFA Euro 2024 last summer with Romania.

Ratiu’s rise has not gone unnoticed at Barcelona, with the club’s sporting director Deco already holding talks with his agent, who also happens to represent Pedri.

Ratiu addresses transfer speculations

Apart from Barcelona, Ratiu is also attracting interest from their La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid ahead of the summer.

Andrei Ratiu is a target for Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

During an interview with AS, the Romanian right-back spoke about the interest from Barça and Atleti, stating that he is fully focused on doing well at Rayo Vallecano and not thinking about anything else.

“I’m focused on my work and on Rayo, which is my team, and I respect them,” said Ratiu.

On being asked how he manages to stay grounded and not get carried away amidst all the speculations, Ratiu added:

“I come from a humble family. I’ve never liked being the centre of attention, giving interviews… It’s hard for me to feel confident with people.”

Ratiu to cost €25 million

As reported earlier today, for Barcelona to sign Ratiu, they will have to activate his €25 million release clause.

Indeed, Rayo Vallecano have made it clear that any club wanting to sign their defensive ace must meet his release clause amount, leaving no room for negotiations and bargaining.