Barcelona plot surprise move for LaLiga defender as they look to bolster squad - Reports

Barcelona are reportedly plotting a move for LaLiga defender Andrei Ratiu, as they look to improve their squad in the coming transfer window. The 26-year-old Romanian defender currently plays for Rayo Vallecano, but could be headed for the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in January.

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Tribal Football), Barcelona's sporting director Deco recently had conversations with Pedri's representatives from his agency Leaderbrock. Much of their discussion was focused on a potential contract extension for Pedri, whose current deal will expire in 2026.

However, the report claimed that Andrei Ratiu was also a topic of conversation, who is represented by the same agency. Deco reportedly asked about the full-back's availability in the January transfer window. The club are on the hunt for a right-back, and they have placed the 26-year-old La Liga defender on their radar.

This season, Ratiu has played 11 league matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

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Barcelona boss Hansi Flick praises team after win over Stade Brest

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has praised his team for their impressive 3-0 win against Brest in the Champions League on Tuesday (November 26) at the Lluis Companys. Robert Lewandowski scored a brace (10' P, 90+2') to reach 101 Champions League goals while Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo also found the back of the net (66').

In his press conference afterwards, Hansi Flick said (via the club website):

"A very important win... We have shown how we can be strong... We dominated the game and we attacked and defended well. Pressing is part of our style and it is a quick route to goal. We did very well and we are moving in the right direction."

Flick also stated that their aim is to finish in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League's league phase table, which will secure direct qualification for the quarterfinals.

Barcelona ended their run of two games without a win, which included a loss against Real Sociedad and a draw against Celta Vigo. They will hope to carry the momentum into their upcoming game this weekend when they take on Las Palmas on Saturday, November 30.