Barcelona keeping tabs on La Liga star with €25 million release clause – report | OneFootball

While there are unlikely to be any signings in January at FC Barcelona, the sporting management, headed by Deco, is working on identifying targets to reinforce the squad for the summer of 2025.

As has already been reported, a new left-winger and the two full-back positions will be the areas of focus for the Catalans next year.

Targets for all three positions are being sorted, with the likes of Nico Williams, Rafael Leao and Luis Diaz emerging as options for the left wing while Tyrick Mitchell and Alvaro Carreras are on the agenda for the left-back slot.

Andrei Ratiu on Barcelona’s radar

Now, Estadio Deportivo reports that Barcelona have set their sights on Rayo Vallecano star Andrei Ratiu as an option for the right-back position.

The Blaugrana have Jules Kounde and Hector Fort as options on the right side of the defence but the latter has had some physical issues this season leaving Hansi Flick short on options.

As such, Barcelona view Ratiu as a potential target to add greater depth in the right-back position.

Andrei Ratiu (L) is a man in demand. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Given that the Romanian ace has a release clause of only €25 million in his contract with Rayo, he is seen as an affordable option.

Competition aplenty

However, if Barcelona want to sign Ratiu, they will face stiff competition from La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, whose manager Diego Simeone is a big admirer of the right-back.

Meanwhile, from Italy, AS Roma have also shown a strong interest in Ratiu, who could make a play for his signing as early as the January transfer window.

It must not be forgotten that Villarreal happen to own 50% of the defender’s rights and could re-sign him for a bargain fee, with the Yellow Submarine closely watching his situation.

So, if Barcelona do decide to make a move for Ratiu, the road will not be straightforward as the Romanian has plenty of suitors.