Report: Liverpool consider £21m move for Romanian right-back | OneFootball

Report: Liverpool Enter Race for Romanian Right-Back Andrei Rațiu

Right-back options under review ahead of summer rebuild

With Arne Slot preparing to oversee his first transfer window as Liverpool manager, attention is turning to key areas of the squad that may require strengthening—and right-back is high on the list. While Conor Bradley has made significant progress this season, the club may look to bring in competition or even a first-choice replacement, depending on the long-term situation with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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The England international’s future remains uncertain, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in a potential summer move. If such a scenario were to materialise, Liverpool would face a major gap to fill on the right side of defence.

Romanian international now on Liverpool’s radar

According to a report from Romanian outlet ProSport, Andrei Rațiu is now a player of interest. The 26-year-old right-back, currently impressing in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, is reportedly being tracked by Barcelona and Real Madrid, in addition to Liverpool.

ProSport claims Liverpool have “entered the race” to sign Rațiu, who has a £21 million release clause and is said to be in “good form.” Any potential move would see Villarreal, his former club, benefit financially as they retain 50% of his rights.

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Liverpool weighing their options at right-back

With Bradley’s emergence, there’s an argument to be made for backing youth. But competition breeds consistency, and Rațiu, with his top-flight experience and international pedigree, could represent a sensible investment.

ProSport note that a move to Anfield would be “a step up” for Rațiu. Now, it’s up to Liverpool to decide whether they’re serious about making that step happen.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this one lands somewhere between intrigue and scepticism. Andrei Rațiu might be performing well in La Liga, but for a club that has long prided itself on elite-level recruitment, this feels like a slightly left-field link—particularly with names like Jeremie Frimpong also circulating.

There’s no doubt the right-back position needs clarity. If Trent leaves, it’s not a position that can be patched over. Yes, Conor Bradley is exciting, but he’s still learning. Plunging him into 50+ games next season with no senior cover could be risky.

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Rațiu may bring physicality and experience, but is he the right fit tactically? Arne Slot’s system will likely require full-backs who can invert, press high and be creative in the final third. Rațiu’s numbers don’t yet scream that profile.

At £21 million, he’s not a bargain punt either. This feels like a scouting link, not a priority target. If Liverpool are serious, fans will expect more than a solid La Liga performer—they’ll expect a right-back with Champions League-ready pedigree. Until then, this feels like background noise to a far bigger question: what’s happening with Trent?