Barcelona has reactivated its interest in signing the Romanian right-back Andrei Ratiu, a player from Rayo Vallecano, due to the sports management's belief in his capabilities and considering him a suitable option to strengthen this position, with an estimated value of around 25 million euros, according to the Spanish newspaper 'Sport'.

The renewed interest comes after the levels the player has shown this season with his team under the leadership of Inigo Perez, as he participates in the semi-finals of the European Conference League, with chances to compete for the title.

Ratiu was linked with a move to Barcelona last summer, but the situation changed after renewing his contract with Rayo Vallecano at the end of last year, extending his contract until the 2029/2030 season, after it was initially set to expire in 2028, which complicates any potential negotiations.

Rayo Vallecano also strengthened its position by acquiring full rights to the player after purchasing the share that Villarreal held, making the release clause in his contract 25 million euros.

Aware of the player's development, the club maintains a strong position in case of any attempts to leave, despite the good relationship between Barcelona's president Joan Laporta and Rayo Vallecano's president Martin Presa, which could contribute to a potential rapprochement between the two parties.

This move comes as part of Barcelona's planning for the upcoming transfer period, especially amid talks about the possibility of receiving a significant offer from England for Jules Kounde, prompting the club to search for ready alternatives, with Ratiu's name resurfacing as one of the proposed options.