Even though he is a center back by trade, young Frenchman Jules Kounde has legitimately become one of the best right backs in world football for Barcelona, and since Real Madrid rival Dani Carvajal’s torn ACL, there’s a strong case to be made that Kounde has been the best right back in the league.
Behind Kounde, Barcelona also have Hector Fort as a young prospect at the position, but it looks like the Blaugrana would like to sign reinforcements at the position and potentially let Kounde shine at center back again if someone emerges.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, via barcacentre, there are several players within the Barcelona ranks who are “admirers” of Rayo Vallecano star Andrei Ratiu.
Per the report, these players are such fans of Ratiu that they regularly use him in their LaLiga fantasy teams, which is quite the interesting nugget. Additionally, the report mentions that Barcelona could sign Ratiu for just 12-15 million euros this summer transfer window.
Ratiu is in demand around Europe, as clubs like Aston Villa and others in the Premier League have been linked to the Romanian international in his prime. Last year, Ratiu was one of the quiet breakout stars of the European Championship tournament.
In LaLiga, Ratiu has proven to be a solid all-around right back, and it’s no wonder why Barcelona players like him. He has impressed regularly in the league and has been especially solid against one of Barca’s big enemies, Real Madrid left winger Vinicius Junior.
Joe Soriano covers West Ham for Green Street Hammers and writes about Real Madrid for The Real Champs. He has extensive experience covering world football since 2014. Joe is an editor for The Trivela Effect, where he covers the biggest clubs in European football. He has watched professional sports regularly since 2002 and can be found playing the same sports he covers with his friends.