Liverpool join the hunt for Rayo Vallecano fullback Andrei Ratiu

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Rayo Vallecano’s fullback Andrei Ratiu, as the club seeks to strengthen its defensive options for the future. The 26-year-old Romanian international has impressed this season, contributing to his side’s defensive efforts while also adding attacking value with goals and assists. His impressive performances have caught the attention of top European clubs, with Liverpool now among the interested suitors.

Ratiu, who has made 44 appearances for Rayo Vallecano, has demonstrated his versatility and reliability on the right flank. During his time in Spain, the Romanian has netted three goals and provided three assists, showcasing his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. In addition to his club performances, Ratiu has earned 29 caps for the Romanian national team, scoring once. His consistent form has led to links with prominent clubs like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but now Liverpool have emerged as a serious contender for his signature.

The Reds are considering Ratiu as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose future at Anfield has become uncertain in recent months. Alexander-Arnold’s contract with Liverpool is set to expire soon, and speculation has arisen suggesting that he could be on his way to Real Madrid. With the 25-year-old England international potentially leaving the club, Liverpool are keen to identify a suitable right-back to step into his shoes.

Ratiu’s profile fits the bill for Liverpool’s needs. At 26, he has enough experience to step into a top-flight team and make an immediate impact, while still having room to develop further. His defensive reliability, combined with his attacking capabilities, makes him an ideal candidate to fill the right-back role at Liverpool. With his contract at Rayo Vallecano running until 2028, he would likely come with a transfer fee in the region of €25 million, a price that could be deemed reasonable given his potential and current form.

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However, Liverpool’s interest in Ratiu is not their only option. Alongside the Romanian fullback, the club is also reportedly monitoring Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, another highly-rated right-back. Frimpong, like Ratiu, has impressed in the Bundesliga and would provide Liverpool with a different option for the position. The competition for the right-back spot appears to be heating up, with multiple targets in the frame for a potential summer move.

The addition of a new right-back is becoming increasingly important for Liverpool, especially if Alexander-Arnold’s future with the club is in doubt. The 25-year-old has been a pivotal part of Liverpool’s success in recent years, but with his contract running down, the club may need to act quickly to secure a long-term solution for the position. Ratiu, with his experience in La Liga and international football, could be a strong addition to Liverpool’s squad.

While the transfer window is still some time away, Liverpool’s interest in Andrei Ratiu signals their intent to prepare for the future. Whether they will move ahead with this potential deal or explore other alternatives remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Liverpool are actively looking to strengthen their right-back options, and Andrei Ratiu could be a key part of that future.

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Should Liverpool make a move for Andrei Ratiu this summer?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.