According to Cule Mania, Barcelona’s efforts to secure Andrei Ratiu have hit a significant roadblock as Bayer Leverkusen have entered the race to sign the 26-year-old Romanian right-back.
The defender, currently under contract with Rayo Vallecano until 2028, has long been admired by Barcelona’s sporting director Deco for his potential and value for money.
With a €25 million release clause in his contract, Barcelona had hoped to bring him in at a more affordable price.
Reports suggest that Rayo Vallecano are willing to negotiate and could accept a transfer fee between €12 and €15 million, which has made the deal more attractive to suitors.
New competition from Bayer Leverkusen
It must be noted that Villarreal had been considered the primary competitor for Ratiu, but Bayer Leverkusen now add a new layer of competition.
The German club is reportedly seeking a replacement for Jeremie Frimpong, the highly sought-after right-back who has been a key figure under manager Hansi Flick.
Despite the heightened competition, Barcelona are not yet in negotiations for Ratiu, with Deco still assessing the club’s Fair Play terms ahead of the summer transfer window.
The club’s financial situation will play a critical role in any potential deal, and Barcelona are expected to wait until it has a clearer picture of its financial flexibility before making any move.
However, the interest in Ratiu is real, and the player is aware of the possibility of joining the Blaugrana.
Ratiu would prefer Barcelona
The 26-year-old defender is reportedly excited about the prospect of joining Barcelona.
The Romanian sees the move as a dream opportunity, recognizing the prestige of the club and the immense appeal of playing for Barcelona.
Should Barcelona move forward with the transfer, Ratiu would likely jump at the chance to fulfill his dream of playing at one of Europe’s elite footballing institutions.
