Liverpool are believed to be eyeing a summer move for Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu, according to a new transfer claim.
Right-back has become a problem position for the Reds, having been such a strong area for so long when Trent Alexander-Arnold was at the club.
Conor Bradley is an excellent young player, but sadly, injuries are a major problem for him now, especially the serious knee issue that is keeping him sidelined currently.
The Northern Irishman isn’t going to return to the fold any time soon, and with Jeremie Frimpong also not exactly flourishing yet in a Liverpool shirt, new head coach Andoni Iraola will surely want a new right-back this summer.
Now, according to a report from Spain [via Caught Offside], Rayo Vallecano ace Ratiu is a target for the Reds, with the 28-year-old a proven option at the highest level.
He has a reported £21.5m release clause that Liverpool are seemingly willing to trigger, but an offer hasn’t been tabled for the Romanian yet.
Andrei Ratiu an ideal proven option at right-back for Liverpool
Ratiu may not be a world-renowned player who will be a game-changer for Liverpool, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t be an excellent signing this summer.
He has made 82 appearances in La Liga and won 38 caps for Romania, and lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League final last month, while Borja Jimenez has made it clear how highly he rates him, saying:
“I changed the position of Adria Altimira because I wanted a player who could play with his weaker foot and defend well behind the central midfielders. He has the ability to move inside and defend in front of one of the best full-backs in the league. I’m referring to Ra?iu.”
With Liverpool expected to spend big in other positions this summer, especially out wide – Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola look like leading options there – a cheaper right-back would make complete sense.
Ratiu could be a bargain in that respect, given his release clause, and he would bring the defensive solidity that has been sorely lacking for the Reds over the past 12 months or so.