No room for negotiation as La Liga club demand cash-only deal for Barcelona-linked defender | OneFootball

A recent report from SPORT has revealed that Rayo Vallecano are firm on their stance regarding the sale of Andrei Ratiu.

The outlet mentions that the club has made it clear that they will only consider financial offers for the Romanian full-back and will not entertain any player exchanges or alternative deals.

It must be noted that for months, Vallecano have been receiving enquiries about Ratiu’s availability, with several clubs expressing interest in securing his services.

Although some potential deals did not materialise during the winter transfer window, all indications suggest that the 26-year-old defender will be on the move once the summer window opens.

Barcelona are interested

Barcelona were previously among the clubs monitoring Ratiu’s contract situation, as sporting director Deco has been actively assessing the market for reinforcements in both full-back positions.

Andrei Ratiu is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images)

However, any club looking to negotiate with Rayo Vallecano must meet the club’s financial demands, which remain non-negotiable.

Ratiu has a release clause of €25 million, with Villarreal retaining 50% of his rights. Despite this, his starting price is expected to be around €10 million.

Rayo Vallecano’s president, Martin Presa, has no intention of agreeing to a deal involving player swaps, which complicates matters for clubs interested in the defender.

Tricky situation for Barcelona

For Barcelona, this situation presents a challenge. While Ratiu is a player they appreciate, the club’s current financial priorities lie elsewhere. At the moment, strengthening other areas of the squad takes precedence, making it unlikely that they will pursue him further.

In recent weeks, Barcelona have focused on their own defensive options. The club recently extended Gerard Martin’s contract to secure depth on the left side, while Hector Fort continues to provide cover, allowing Jules Kounde minimal rest on the right.

Given the financial constraints and squad priorities, any potential move for Ratiu appears to be on hold for now.