Liverpool are among a few clubs interested in Leeds United’s Raphinha, with the winger preparing to leave Elland Road at the end of the season.
The Reds signed Luis Diaz from FC Porto in the January transfer window, and the Colombian international has adapted to the Premier League like a duck to water. Despite investing in a winger a couple of months back, the title challengers could look to beef up their forward department in the off season.
According to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are in a three-way race with Chelsea and Barcelona for the signature of Leeds United star, Raphinha. Barcelona have already discussed about the player with his agent Deco, while Chelsea have cooled their interest in the Brazilian international, the report adds.
Raphinha, 25, could be one of the most coveted targets in the summer transfer window, with a host of clubs lining up to make a move for him. The Brazilian winger has been Leeds United’s best player in an otherwise disappointing campaign, contributing nine goals and three assists in 27 Premier League games.
The 25-year-old wide-man has decided not to renew his contract with the Whites, and with his contract expiring in 2024, the club could cash in on him in the summer.
Raphinha to Liverpool—Should the Reds go all out for him?
Liverpool have been reportedly rocked by Mohamed Salah’s decision to not yet accept the fresh terms offered by the club. He has a contract at Anfield until the summer of 2023, with the Merseyside club’s hierarchy pushing to secure the star forward’s future. However, talks over a possible contract extension haven’t been straightforward so far, leaving the Egyptian’s future in limbo.
Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool’s rise as a force under Jurgen Klopp, establishing himself as one of the world’s best players over the last year. Thus, it is imperative the Reds scour the market for potential replacements in case the Egyptian forward leaves in the near future.
Raphinha, in that regard, would be perfect for Liverpool. He has caught the attention during his two seasons with Leeds United, breaking into the senior Brazilian squad under Tite off the back of his fine form as well.
Predominantly a right-winger, Raphinha can operate in almost any attacking role, and has the smartness, work rate and vision to shine in Klopp’s high-pressing system. The ex-Rennes man is an exquisite dribbler of the ball, unpredictable with his movement, can create chances for his teammates and score goals in equal measure. Add those to his burst of acceleration, flair and quick feet, he can give the best of defenders a run for their money.
The South American star could be a bit of a like-for-like replacement for Salah as a left-footed winger who favours starting on the right. At 25, Raphinha is heading towards his best years and he could become one of the finest attacking players in Europe under the tutelage of Klopp.
Thus, Liverpool must go all out for the Leeds United forward’s signature.