Liverpool need to sign a new right back this summer after failing to address the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold correctly last summer.
The Scouser ran his Liverpool contract down in order to facilitate a free transfer to Real Madrid. Los Blancos wound up paying the Reds a cursory £10m fee to sign him a month before his deal expired in order to enable Alexander-Arnold to play at the FIFA Club World Cup that summer.
As a result, Liverpool entered the market to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong as his replacement, but the 25-year-old just simply is not a natural fullback. He’s somewhere in between being a wing-back and a winger. The result is that Liverpool were not sufficiently equipped on the right flank of defence for the 2025-26 season.
To make matters worse, Liverpool saw Conor Bradley suffer a serious knee injury during a 0-0 draw with Arsenal in January. He subsequently underwent surgery to repair the damage and remains a long-term injury concern.
Andrei Ratiu is genuinely one of the most underrated fullbacks around right now.
The consistency level is absurd.?Feels like he drops a masterclass every single week. Would genuinely have Ratiu at Barcelona in a heartbeat. pic.twitter.com/qHVb6qgAx6
— The Stat Guy (@The_Stat_Guy_10) May 17, 2026
Liverpool identify Andrei Ratui as potential new right back
According to an exclusive from independent Liverpool outlet Anfield Index, the Reds have identified Rayo Vallecano star Andrei Ratiu as the ideal solution at right-back this summer.
The report reads: “Anfield Index sources have confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu. 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.
“For Iraola’s high-pressing and fast-paced style of play, Ratiu would be a perfect fit. The profile and the price are spot on for this deal, but the only slight concern would be his age. At 28, Liverpool usually would avoid but we have seen them break the mould for players like Wataru Endo in previous years.”
This is how Ratui stacked up against PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi.