Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick would like a new right back that is signed in the summer, and as such his names added to a shortlist. One of the players being considered is relatively close to home, that is Rayo Vallecano's Romanian International, Andrei Ratiu.
Ratiu, who has had a very strong season at Vallecas, has attracted a lot of interest in recent months. Aston Villa considered signing him during the winter transfer window before they settled on Levante's Andres Garcia, while he was even considered an option by Real Madrid, they were allowed to bring Trent Alexander-Arnold when his Liverpool contract comes to the end of the season.
Barcelona has been following Ratiu for a while, because they consider him a good option to compete for the starting right back position with Jules Kounde. Furthermore, it is expected that Rayo makes it relatively easy to make a deal, with their minimum asking price only € 10 million.
Barcelona should be able to afford this compensation, but given that there is a lot of interest in Ratiu's services, it would not be a surprise to see his price rise considerably, despite the fact that the 26-year-old at the end of the Contract is next season. And to make things worse for the Catalans, Villarreal has now entered the race, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo.
Ratiu has a considerable advantage over the rest of the competition in the Ratiu race, since they have 50% of his rights. As such, they can pay exactly half of everyone else who wants to sign the player.
Villarreal needs a right back, especially if Juan Foyth would leave in the summer. They must be able to afford what Rayo requires, given their 50% sale, which is bad for Barcelona and the others.