Liverpool have reportedly made an approach in a bid to try and sign Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The Lowdown: Raphinha profiled
Since arriving at Elland Road from Rennes back in 2020 for an initial £17m fee, the Brazilian has more than proved that he is a force to be reckoned with.
The 25-year-old has found the net 15 times and registered 12 assists in 59 league appearances during that time, as per Transfermarkt, and as a result, has earned himself international recognition in the process.
The Latest: Tough competition from Barca
According to Spanish source Sport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that the £36m-rated talisman has ‘aroused the interest’ of the Reds, with the Merseyside club previously admitting that they ‘like him’ as said by the player’s agent.
They aren’t the only team interested in Raphinha though, with Barcelona stating that the attacker is an ‘objective’ for them.
The £63k-per-week star is currently managed by former Catalan player Deco who supposedly put his client’s name on the table at Camp Nou, making it clear to the La Liga outfit that the 5 foot 7 forward would not be signing a new contract with the Lilywhites and that he will ‘leave at the end of the season’.
The Verdict: A long-term option?
Whilst Mohamed Salah’s contract saga goes on and despite it being highly unlikely that anyone will ever be able to produce his kind of goal return, Liverpool will at some point have to look for a suitable replacement and Raphinha could be the right long-term option.
Having previously been hailed for being on a ‘’different level’’ by former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, the 7-time international has provided a total of 12 goal contributions in 27 outings so far this season, and whilst this is some way off the Egyptian’s tally (30 contributions in 27), it’s still pretty impressive considering Leeds’ run of form of late.
Also dubbed a “magician” by teammate Dan James, it’s no wonder the Reds have been viewing the Brazil international as a potential alternative or replacement to Salah along that right flank.
A wanted man, Jurgen Klopp’s side will no doubt be hoping that Marsch’s men face relegation come the end of the campaign so that they can offer a considerably lower amount for the winger when the time is right.
Especially considering he’s currently valued at £36m by Transfermarkt – a pretty penny but perhaps one that the Anfield hierarchy should pay up for.
