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Liverpool’s summer recruitment drive shows no sign of slowing down, with Anfield Index reporting exclusively that the club have already held talks with the representatives of a Romanian international defender who has emerged as one of La Liga’s most consistent performers over the past two seasons.
New head coach Andoni Iraola has wasted little time in reshaping his squad since taking charge following Arne Slot’s troubled title defence.
Jeremy Jacquet arrived from Rennes in a 60 million pound deal concluded in January, while Victor Munoz followed through the door in a 34.5 million pound agreement with Osasuna.
But the recruitment team at Anfield do not look like they are done yet, and their latest area of focus tells its own story about the tactical direction Iraola intends to take the club.
Anfield Index sources have confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu, with talks already having taken place with the player’s representatives in recent weeks.’
The Romanian international, who turned 28 today, has been one of the standout fullbacks in Spanish football and represents precisely the kind of high-energy, progressive profile that suits Iraola’s system.
His name has been circulating among Europe’s top clubs for some time but is now reportedly on Liverpool’s radar at a concrete level.
Rayo Vallecano finished an impressive eighth in La Liga last season, and Ratiu was central to that achievement.
His release clause is set at 25 million euros, though there is a belief within Liverpool’s camp that a deal closer to 20 million euros could be negotiated.
The statistics underpin the interest.
Ratiu sits in the 96th percentile among fullbacks for progressive carries per 90 minutes, averaging over three per game, with more than two of those reaching the final third.
For a manager whose teams demand relentless intensity, direct running, and the ability to contribute in transition on both sides of the ball, those numbers are difficult to ignore.
He has created 10 big chances across all competitions while averaging 1.3 key passes per 90 minutes, and at 183 centimetres, he combines aerial presence and acceleration with the tactical intelligence to press and cover his flank simultaneously.
Liverpool will not have the market to themselves, however.
Barcelona view Ratiu as a long-term replacement for Jules Kounde and have been stepping up their efforts to secure his signature, while Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest.
The competition from Barcelona in particular means Liverpool may need to move decisively if they are serious about getting the deal done.
There is also a structural complexity worth noting.
Villarreal retain 50 percent of Ratiu’s rights and hold a buy-back option, which could complicate any deal that is agreed with Rayo.
At 28, Ratiu is slightly older than Liverpool’s typical recruitment profile, though the club have shown willingness to make exceptions for the right player before.
The fact that talks have already begun suggests this is more than exploratory interest.