Highly-rated La Liga fullback has several admirers within Barcelona dressing room | OneFootball

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has highlighted that Rayo Vallecano’s Romanian defender, Andrei Ratiu, has gained admirers within the FC Barcelona dressing room.

When it comes to identifying promising players, those within the squad often have the best insight, and Ratiu’s performances have not gone unnoticed.

In fact, some Barcelona players have even included him in their football manager fantasy teams, showing the level of recognition he has earned among top professionals.

How did Ratiu gain preference?

According to the outlet, Ratiu caught the attention of Barcelona’s squad members during their time together at events like training camps or team trips.

His displays on the pitch have made an impression, and there is growing admiration for his abilities.

At 26 years old, Ratiu has established himself as a key player for Rayo Vallecano. His physical strength, defensive resilience, and attacking contributions make him a well-rounded fullback.

Andrei Ratiu has many admirers at Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

He has already faced and challenged top-quality forwards, proving his capability in high-pressure situations.

Beyond his defensive work, Ratiu has also contributed offensively, scoring twice and providing three assists spread over 27 appearances.

Barcelona are keeping an eye

His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by clubs beyond Barcelona. Since moving to Rayo Vallecano in the summer of 2023 for less than €1 million, his development has been remarkable.

The club sees him as a potential record-breaking sale in the upcoming summer transfer window, with several European sides expressing interest in securing his services.

Ratiu is currently under contract with Rayo Vallecano until 2028, and his release clause is set at €25 million.

However, reports indicate that the club is not demanding the full buyout amount and could agree to a transfer fee in the region of €12 to €15 million.

Additionally, Villarreal, where Ratiu developed in the youth academy, retains a percentage of any future sale. This means they would benefit from any potential transfer deal.

As Barcelona continues to evaluate defensive reinforcements, Ratiu’s name could remain on their radar, especially given the recognition he has already received from members of their own squad.