Liverpool are sizing up a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha. The Brazilian has been valued at £60 million by Leeds and has been linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer.
As per the as per Mirror, the Reds are looking to sign £60million-rated Raphinha ahead of Barcelona, who have emerged as serious contenders to sign the explosive winger. But their dire financial situation means that they must first sell before they can buy.
Sadio Mane has hinted (h/t The Athletic) that he could leave the Reds after a six-year spell at Anfield. His current deal with the Reds expires in 2023. Thus, it is understandable that Klopp is eyeing Raphinha as Mane’s replacement at Anfield.
Liverpool could look to include Takumi Minamino as a bargaining chip in the negotiations. Minamino, 27, made only 24 appearances this past season but managed to score ten goals across all competitions. Leeds’ Jesse Marsch is keen on the 27-year-old Japanese attacker, a player he managed at Red Bull Salzburg.
Raphinha to Liverpool – The perfect replacement for Sadio Mane?
Raphinha was impressive in an under-performing Leeds team. He scored 11 goals and mustered three assists in the Premier League. He played a vital role in helping Leeds retain their top-flight status this past season.
Liverpool have now joined the race for Raphinha as they are increasingly resigned to losing Sadio Mane. Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the Brazilian and is planning to use Takumi Minamino as part of a deal to lure him to Anfield. [@sbates_people via @MirrorFootball] #LUFC pic.twitter.com/ksC4BkLr24
— Leeds Xtra (@Leeds_Xtra) June 4, 2022
The Brazilian is excellent in 1v1 situations and with his playmaking ability. This season, the 25-year-old has averaged 2.5 shots per game, 1.9 key passes per game, and 1.8 completed dribbles per game.
The attacker plays with a lot of flair, and his off the ball work-ethic is pretty impressive. That should hold him in good stead under a manager like Klopp.
The Brazilian forward is also versatile when it comes to positions. In fact, some of his best performances this season came when he played as a left-attacking midfielder. It goes without saying that he will provide Klopp with incredible depth.
Bayern Munich are interested in Mane, and Liverpool will hope to get at least £30-40 million from his sale. Bayern are also set to lose Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski this summer and it makes sense for them to go for Mane.
Although Mane’s loss would be big, someone like Raphinha, who has shown plenty of ability for Leeds, would be a smart addition by the Merseyside outfit.