Barcelona are in the market for a new centre-back this summer. However, their defensive reinforcements might extend beyond just one addition before the 2026-27 season begins. This is especially true if they do not secure Joao Cancelo permanently. Even if a deal for Cancelo is struck with Al Hilal, there remains room for further defensive signings.
Cancelo has been an impressive performer on the left side of defence since his January arrival. In contrast, Barcelona has faced challenges on the right flank. This past season has been particularly disappointing for their starting right-back, Jules Kounde, who has not come close to replicating the form he displayed in the 2024-25 campaign.
With concerns surrounding Kounde and a lack of natural backup at right-back, there is a strong possibility that the club will target a new player for this position this summer. Sporting director Deco has identified Andrei Ratiu as a potential option, a player who has been on his radar for some time.
Deco engaged in discussions with Ratiu’s representatives back in 2025, though no concrete steps were taken to sign the Rayo Vallecano defender at that point. Twelve months later, Ratiu has re-emerged as a significant target for Barcelona, whose football department views him as an “interesting player profile.”
Ratiu could be acquired for €25m
Barcelona maintains a positive relationship with Rayo president Raul Martin Presa, which could give them an advantage over other clubs interested in Ratiu this summer. However, it is understood that Rayo Vallecano might insist on the €25 million release clause for the Romanian international, potentially complicating matters for Barcelona.
Given Barcelona’s primary objectives of signing a new centre-back and a striker, and their well-documented financial constraints, they are unlikely to have substantial funds remaining for additional signings. Therefore, securing Ratiu’s transfer this summer could prove to be challenging.
English Translation:
Barcelona are looking to sign a new centre-back in the summer, but that might not be the only defensive addition to Hansi Flick’s squad before the start of the 2026-27 season. This will almost certainly be the case if Joao Cancelo is not signed permanently, but even if an agreement is reached with Al Hilal, there is scope for further reinforcements.
Cancelo has been a revelation on the left side of defence since joining in January, but Barcelona have struggled on the opposite flank. It has been a desperately disappointing season for starting right-back Jules Kounde, who has failed to get anywhere close to the form he showed during the 2024-25 campaign.
Barcelona have concerns about Kounde, and given that they have no natural backup, there is a high chance that a right-back will be signed this summer. One option that is already being explored by sporting director Deco is Andrei Ratiu, a player who has been on the Portuguese’s radar for some time.
In 2025, Deco held talks with Ratiu’s representatives, although no significant moves were made towards signing the Rayo Vallecano defender. Twelve months on, he is once again emerging as a key target for Barcelona, whose sporting department considers him to be an “interesting player profile.”
Ratiu can be signed for €25m
Barcelona have a good relationship with Rayo president Raul Martin Presa, and they could use this to gain an advantage over other clubs that have Ratiu as a possible option for the summer. However, it is believed that Los Franjirrojos could look to hold out for the Romania international’s €25m release clause, which could complicate things for the Catalans.
Barcelona want to spend big on signing a new centre-back and striker, and given their well-documented financial woes, they are unlikely to be able to pay much more for further reinforcements. As such, it could be tricky for Ratiu to be signed this summer.
