The Blaugrana are fully focused on the current season, the Hansi Flick team fighting on three fronts: the Liga, the King's Cup and the UEFA Champions League. However, behind the scenes, the sports director Deco studies the potential targets following discussions with Flick.
Despite the regularity of Jules Koundé at a reshaped right side post, the club is looking to recruit a more specialized replacement for French. It is unlikely that Koundé will be dislodged as the first choice of Flick next season, the former defender of Seville also being on the verge of extending his contract.
Barcelona is preparing for all eventualities, including a return from Koundé to his favorite central defender post, or even a change in tactical system. Fabrizio Romano, expert in transfers, has taken stock of the situation by claiming that Barcelona would concretize his project to recruit another right side, “Discussions that have already started with several candidates”.
Koundé replaced?
This has fueled transfer rumors in Catalonia, speculation concerning the possible options for Fick on the Liga transfers market. The name currently at the top of the list seems to be that of Andrei Ratiu, star of Rayo Vallecano, after an excellent season in Vallecas.
Rayo Vallecano has confirmed to be aware of the interest of large clubs for the Romanian international, but will not decide to sell it easily. The latest information indicates that they will offer at least 25 million euros to Barcelona, which is slightly higher than the current budget of the Catalans for a replacement.
Barcelona's indecision will not be tolerated by the Rayo – if it believes that a sale is inevitable – a broader interest in ratiu being already reported by Tottenham and Manchester City, two Premier League clubs, while Kyle Walker and Pedro Porro could leave this summer.
