Liverpool are reportedly preparing to activate the \u20ac25 million release clause of experienced Romanian right-back Andrei Ra\u021biu as they look to finally solve a long-standing issue on the right side of defence.<\/p>\n
The Reds have been searching for a reliable solution since Trent Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid last summer. Although Liverpool received around \u20ac10 million for allowing the England international to leave before his contract expired, replacing his influence has proven difficult.<\/p>\n
Jeremie Frimpong arrived from Bayer Leverkusen soon after, but the Dutchman has struggled to establish himself at Anfield, particularly when deployed at right-back. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley continues to impress when fit, though recurring injury problems have limited his availability.<\/p>\n
According to reports, new manager Andoni Iraola has made strengthening the right-back position one of his priorities this summer, with Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ra\u021biu emerging as a leading target.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old Romanian international, who has earned 38 caps for his country, played a key role in Vallecano’s impressive 2025\/26 campaign, contributing one goal and four assists while earning praise for his defensive reliability, composure in possession and distribution.<\/p>\n
Liverpool are believed to be willing to meet Ra\u021biu’s \u20ac25 million release clause, although the club hopes negotiations could see the fee reduced to around \u20ac20 million despite the defender signing a contract until 2030 last year.<\/p>\n
Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the Romanian, with Hansi Flick keen to strengthen competition at right-back. However, Ra\u021biu is reportedly viewed as an ideal fit for Iraola’s high-intensity pressing system, making him a strong candidate to become the Spaniard’s second signing after V\u00edctor Mu\u00f1oz.<\/p>\n
Sources also suggest Iraola wants greater depth at right-back after Dominik Szoboszlai was occasionally forced to fill the role last season. The Liverpool boss is eager to keep the Hungarian in his preferred attacking midfield position, where he has become one of the Premier League’s standout performers.<\/p>\n
While Liverpool remain open to signing a new right-back, the position is not currently their top priority. Iraola is also pushing for another elite attacker, with the club expected to return with an improved offer for Yan Diomande, while a dynamic midfielder is also high on the club’s summer wishlist.<\/p>\n
Reports further claim Liverpool have been alerted to the availability of a Borussia Dortmund midfielder, with a deal potentially possible for around \u00a350 million as the Reds continue reshaping the squad ahead of the new season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"