Barcelona’s summer transfer activity is expected to be shaped by a delicate balance of ambition and financial reality, as Hansi Flick prepares for his first pre-season in charge.
The Catalan giants are looking to reshape their squad within strict salary limits, with several internal assessments now influencing their approach to the market.
While midfield and attacking reinforcements remain high on the club’s agenda, the right-back position has become less of a pressing issue behind the scenes.
Recent reports suggest that Barcelona’s technical staff are increasingly open to trusting current squad members to fill defensive roles, rather than chasing costly new arrivals.
And one reported target is now officially off the table.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have ended their pursuit of Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu.
The Romanian international had previously been touted as a potential solution at right-back, with Deco and the recruitment team viewing him as a low-cost, high-upside option.
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Initial rumours even suggested that a summer bid was being prepared, following positive scouting reports earlier in the year.
However, that stance has now changed, with Barcelona pulling the plug on any possible move.
The emergence of Eric Garcia, who has returned to the club following a loan spell at Girona, is believed to be the key reason behind the U-turn.
Garcia, who has impressed Hansi Flick with his tactical discipline and versatility, is now being considered as a viable alternative to Jules Kounde in the right-back slot.
With Flick also eager to maximise resources within the existing squad, the decision has been made to shelve any plans to strengthen that area of the pitch for now.
That means Andrei Ratiu, despite being admired for his work rate and defensive tenacity, is no longer a part of Barcelona’s transfer plans for the upcoming window.
In a summer likely to be driven by pragmatism rather than big-money splashes, Barcelona’s willingness to pivot based on internal solutions could define the direction of their rebuild.
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