According to the report, Barcelona club is working towards the development of a transfer plan that could improve the squad for the upcoming 2025/26 La Liga Season. La Blaugrana is currently focusing on the campaign's final stages, with Hansi Flick's side competing in three competitions: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Deco, the Sporting Director, is looking forward to having a promising transfer target after speaking with Flick. Despite Jules Kounde's dependability in a remodeled right-back position, the club is trying to bring in more specialized cover to assist the Frenchman. Moreover, Kounde is under preliminary agreement with the club for a contract extension.
Kounde is unlikely to lose his place as Flick's first choice next season, as the former Sevilla defender is also close to signing a contract deal. Barcelona is preparing for all scenarios, including Kounde returning to his preferred centre-back spot and having some tactical system changes. Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on this official X account claimed that Barcelona is in talks with different players to bring in another right back.
Andrei Ratiu seems to be a strong contender
There is a strong buzz in the transfer mill on who could be the potential option for Fick within the La Liga transfer market. Rayo Vallecano's Andrei Ratiu appears to be at the top of the list following a good season in Vallecas. Rayo Vallecano has acknowledged that they are aware of big clubs' interest in the Romanian international, but it would be quite challenging to agree selling.
Rayo will not be put off by Barcelona's reluctance if they sense any changes among with Premier League clubs Tottenham and Manchester City already showing interest in Ratiu as Kyle Walker and Pedro Porro are expected to leave this summer.
Koundé, while playing against Rayo Vallecano became the fifth Frenchman to play the most matches in the Catalan club's history on February 17. Right after Kounde arrived in the Catalan city in the summer of 2022, he got the chance to wear Blaugrana jersey for 131 occasions. He surpassed Ludovic Giuly closing at 'top 5'. The forward, who was successful in defending the Barça shield from 2004 to 2008, left the club after 124 appearances, seven fewer than the '23' culé.
