Liverpool eyeing up surprise move for €25m star

The World Cup hasn't even finished yet and the footballing world is still being filled with rumours.

Liverpool have been one of the most-linked teams with players this summer with the vast majority of their squad needing upgrades.

Andoni Iraola has already welcomed Victor Munoz in attack with several other players expected to follow.

For some reason, La Liga seems to be the main league that Liverpool's targets are coming from with the latest rumour to emerge from Anfield no different.

Liverpool want to sign Andrei Ratiu as their new right-back

Last summer, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes spent £29.5 million on Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutchman was expected to come in and instantly replace Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his attacking prowess.

Indeed, Liverpool were probably hoping that Conor Bradley would be their first-choice for most of the season but, due to the sheer number of injuries he's suffered, that's not been the case.

The 2025-26 season was the Northern Irishman's time to shine but instead, he's missed that opportunity.

And, at the moment, it feels like that opportunity could be out of the window, especially since the Reds' latest target is reportedly a right-back.

"Anfield Index sources have confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu," the report reads.

"The 28-year-old Romanian international was a key part in the club’s impressive eighth-place finish in La Liga last season.

"With a €25m release clause, Ratiu is seen as a cheaper alternative than other targets like Marco Pelestra.

"There is also a belief that an agreement in the region of €20m can be negotiated. But there will be competition as FC Barcelona are also keen on the player.

"Talks with the player’s representatives have already taken place in recent weeks and this could be one to keep an eye on."

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Liverpool signing Andrei Ratiu makes a lot of sense

Ratiu is almost certainly a name that most Liverpool fans won't have heard of.

And, if they have, it's likely because he's the blue-haired right-back from La Liga in EA FC 26.

Despite his blue hair being one of his main features that people remember, he's also got lightning quick speed and has been one of Rayo Vallecano's best players during the three years he's been there.

The defender has spent the vast majority of his career in La Liga, that is, aside from a year-long spell with ADO Den Hag during the 2020-21 season.

This season, however, the attacker has had one of his most consistent campaigns yet as he's played in 50 games across all competitions and contributed to five goals.

These statistics aren't amazing but, considering he has plenty of La Liga experience and is still just 28 years old, the full-back could be a decent option for Liverpool to explore, even if it's only for a few years.

The addition of Ratiu would allow Frimpong to be moved into a more advances role and allow players such as Curtis Jones and Dominik Szobsozlai to actually play in their natural positions.

No concrete moves have been made just yet but, the fact that Liverpool are considering many different options will certain put the Reds' fanbase at ease regarding their much-needed upgrades this summer.