During the last summer transfer window, Barcelona and Liverpool were almost inseparable. While the Catalans were circling Anfield to chalk out a deal for Philippe Coutinho, it was the deal for the Barca defender Rafinha that interested Liverpool, according to Sport Witness.
Catalan media were at their best trying to find a new home for Rafinha with Liverpool and Arsenal being the most linked clubs. It was reported earlier in the summer that the Reds stood a genuine chance of landing the player.
Rafinha desired to have more first-team minutes to push for selection in the World Cup year but the 24-year-old was not any closer to the first-team. He was given a long rope under then manager Luis Enrique but Rafinha is no longer a regular starter.
That left clubs looking to snare him and Liverpool and AS Roma were reported to have been the clubs with the biggest interest. However, nothing happened in the window and the move collapsed without gaining any traction.
Unfortunately for the player, immediately after the transfer window closed, he had to undergo another knee operation. The player is yet to make a comeback with the Catalans as the club looks to offload him in the next couple of windows.
Because of the operation, Barcelona are not confident of making a deal for the player in January. That could mean a deal would be possible only next summer and surely Liverpool would be leading the clutch of potential suitors.
How good is Rafinha? The Brazilian defender is the brother of Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara and has come up the ranks at the famed Barcelona Academy. Although his father Mazinho was quick to quash any rumors of Rafinha leaving Barcelona, he was quick to point out that fitness concerns would delay the move.
The advantage of having a player like Rafinha is the utility he brings in different positions. It is difficult for an injured player to negotiate with other clubs. But once he gets back to full fitness, Liverpool will get a chance to sign him. It looks like Klopp would prod Michael Edwards to get this player!
