According to information from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, Hansi Flick has made an important decision regarding the upcoming season at FC Barcelona. The German coach has decided to exclude Hector Fort from his plans and is looking to strengthen the right-back position with a reliable signing.
Although the youth team player is the only current option competing with Jules Kounde in this position, Flick is not convinced by his level and has decided not to rely on him. The strongest alternative for the upcoming period seems to be Andre Ratiu, the Rayo Vallecano full-back, who has caught the attention of Barcelona due to his versatility and quality.
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Héctor Fort has not been given enough opportunities to prove his worth under Flick. Despite being one of the jewels of the Barcelona youth team, the young full-back has failed to convince the German coach, who prefers more experienced players in this crucial position.
Fort has had limited minutes this season, and due to the lack of continuity, Flick has decided not to rely on him in the future. Despite Fort’s potential, which has been evident at times, Flick believes the team needs a more stable reinforcement to compete at the highest level.
The most likely name to replace Héctor Fort is Andre Ratiu, the right-back for Rayo Vallecano. The Romanian had an excellent season with his team, standing out for his speed, penetration, and defensive solidity. In addition, his versatility as a full-back and wing-back makes him an attractive option for Flick, who is looking for versatile players that can adapt to his system.
Ratiu would be a low-cost investment for Barcelona, with his market value estimated at around €15 million, a sum that the Catalan club considers reasonable given his quality and experience. His arrival would also allow the team to rotate Kounde without compromising performance, which is essential in a season full of matches and competitions.
With the possible arrival of Andre Ratiu, Barcelona would strengthen their defense for next season. The Romanian would complement Kounde perfectly, providing healthy competition and depth in this vital position. His arrival would also allow the team to maintain a balance between experience and youth, something that Flick particularly appreciates.
