Barcelona transfer news: Catalan giants ‘accelerate’ pursuit of potential Jules Kounde replacement

Barcelona are reportedly stepping up their curiosity in Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu forward of this summer time’s switch window.

Ratiu, 27, has once more been a robust performer for Rayo this season, scoring as soon as and offering three assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona are anticipated to be out there for a brand new right-back this summer time, with Jules Kounde needing assist and competitors in that space of the sphere.

There have additionally been ideas of a possible Kounde departure, with golf equipment from the Premier League considered within the France worldwide.

Barcelona ‘step up their curiosity’ in Rayo defender Ratiu

Whereas Barcelona would ideally wish to maintain Kounde, provides within the area of £70m could be severely thought-about, with Chelsea, Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool all believed to be eager.

In keeping with experiences in Spain, Barcelona are stepping up their curiosity in Ratiu, who has been a standout right-back in La Liga during the last three seasons.

The Romania worldwide has represented Rayo on 92 events in all competitions, scoring 4 targets and registering six assists within the course of.

Ratiu has a contract with Rayo till the summer time of 2030, however Barcelona wouldn’t have to interrupt the financial institution to signal him through the upcoming market, with a proposal within the area of £20m probably being accepted.

The defender is a confirmed performer in La Liga, that includes on 75 events within the competitors, whereas he has expertise in each the Europa League and Convention League.

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Would Ratiu be a very good signing for Barcelona?

Ratiu has once more been glorious for Rayo this season, thriving from each an attacking and defensive standpoint, and he could be the best summer time signing for Barcelona.

The Catalan outfit can’t break the financial institution for a full-back addition this summer time, particularly as they’re hopeful of including a high-profile attacker forward of the 2026-27 marketing campaign.

It could be tough to select up a participant of Ratiu’s high quality for such an reasonably priced value this summer time, and it could be a shock if the Romanian was nonetheless together with his present crew past the top of the upcoming market.