Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
As Actual Madrid host Rayo Vallecano on the Santiago Bernabeu tonight, FC Barcelona will likely be protecting an in depth eye on the match.
The Catalan giants are usually not solely within the end result as they proceed their title chase but in addition in carefully analysing Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu, who will face a significant problem in opposition to Vinicius Jr.
The Romanian full-back, a switch goal for Barcelona, has already impressed in opposition to the Actual Madrid winger previously and the Blaugrana will once more be watching to see how he fares within the duel tonight.
Barcelona advised to pay Ratiu’s launch clause
As beforehand reported, Barcelona have been monitoring Ratiu for weeks. The suitable-back is understood for his power and physicality, attributes that Deco values extremely as he seems to be for an alternative choice to Jules Kounde on the suitable facet of the defence.
Nonetheless, signing Ratiu won’t be straightforward. Rayo Vallecano have made it clear that they’re unwilling to barter and can demand the complete quantity of his launch clause, which stands at €25 million.
Andrei Ratiu (R) is a goal for Barcelona. (Picture by Angel Martinez/Getty Pictures)
This was confirmed by the membership’s sporting director, David Cobeno, in an interview with Radio MARCA (h/t SPORT).
“Andrei is 50% owned by us. If somebody needs to investigate about him, we are able to speak, however we’ll demand his full launch clause,” Cobeno defined.
“That is his first full season on the highest stage, and we wish him to stick with us. He’s a key participant for our venture subsequent season,” he added.
Barcelona have contacted Rayo Vallecano
Barcelona have already made preliminary contact with Rayo Vallecano to gauge their willingness to promote Ratiu in the summertime.
The membership held discussions with Rayo’s president, Martin Presa, to discover potential switch phrases, together with potential participant exchanges, however Rayo firmly rejected any different proposals.
One complicating issue is that Rayo Vallecano solely owns 50% of Ratiu’s rights, with the opposite half belonging to Villarreal.
The total-back got here by way of Villarreal’s academy earlier than leaving on a free switch to SD Huesca in 2021.
Regardless of this, Barcelona stay decided to strengthen the full-back positions for subsequent season, with Ratiu rising as one among Deco’s high targets.
Nonetheless, no discussions came about when Rayo visited Montjuic for a La Liga match on 17 February, based on sources near the Madrid-based membership.
