Exclusive: Liverpool Interested in Move for 28-year-old La Liga Defender
It has been a busy start to the summer for Liverpool. First of all, Andoni Iraola replaced head coach Arne Slot after a disastrous title defence.
Then the Reds wrapped up a £34.5m deal to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna to become their second signing of the summer.
He will follow Jeremy Jacquet through the door at Anfield, after Liverpool agreed a £60m deal for the Rennes centre-back in January.
But Liverpool are considering a move for another La Liga star.
Liverpool Considering Ratiu Move
Anfield Index sources have confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu.
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.
🚨Exclusive: Liverpool are interested in Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu.
The 28-year-old defender has a release clause of €25m, but there is a belief more favourable terms could be negotiated. Barcelona are also keen.
Talks with his agents have already taken place. pic.twitter.com/c5I1RXWxjR
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) June 20, 2026
Why are Liverpool interested?
By looking at his statistics from the 2025-26 season, it is clear why Andoni Iraola would be interested in the right-back.
He’s a quick and energetic full-back witha great ability to carry the ball from deep. He sits in the 96th percentile for progressive carries, averaging 3.08 per 90. 2.44 of those carries are into the final third, which places him in the 96th percentile once again.
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.
