Richard Hughes targets €25m La Liga bargain for Liverpool

Liverpool’s transfer chief Richard Hughes can still secure a bargain for a La Liga right‑back as the club eyes Andrei Ratiu, a 28‑year‑old Romanian with a €25 million release clause. Having already spent over £450 million last summer and £29.5 million on Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds must be prudent to avoid over‑paying while still strengthening a right‑back position lacking depth.

Liverpool may already have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Victor Munoz, but his arrival alone will not revive the club’s Premier League title ambitions. The Spaniard’s impact is limited without additional reinforcements across the squad.

Inter Milan’s demand for a much higher bid for Curtis Jones means Liverpool could retain the midfielder, reducing the number of players they can sign this window. Consequently, every pound spent must deliver maximum value.

Anfield Index reported a week ago that Liverpool are monitoring Andrei Ratiu, whose La Liga experience and €25 million release clause make him a financially attractive option. At 28, the Romanian right‑back offers the profile Liverpool need to bolster their defensive line.

Jeremie Frimpong, signed for £29.5 million last term, has struggled to display the defensive awareness required to become Liverpool’s first‑choice right‑back. He arrived as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander‑Arnold, yet his defensive shortcomings have left the position still unresolved.

Both Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones perform best in their natural positions, leaving few alternatives for Andoni Iraola on the right flank. If Liverpool also acquire Yan Diomande, Frimpong could slip further down the pecking order.

If Andrei Ratiu completes his move, he would become the first player added under Andoni Iraola’s tenure. His arrival would allow Liverpool to allocate remaining funds to other positions still identified as weak.