Transfer News: Liverpool still in Raphinha race while Marko Grujic exit seems likely

As per Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari (h/t Daily Star), Liverpool are still in the race to sign Leeds United winger, Raphinha.

However, the Reds are not the only team interested in the Brazilian forward. Manchester United and Manchester City are two other names mentioned in the report that have an interest in the 24-year-old.

Raphinha joined Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United last summer from Ligue 1 side, Rennes. And since then, he has impressed in the English top-flight with 6 goals

Signing a winger seems like a wise move considering AFCON next season. With Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah primed to join their sides for the tournament in January and February 2022, Raphinha’s signing could come in very handy.

Raphinha in, Grujic out?

And not just then, but the Brazilian winger can challenge for starts throughout the course of the season. With the Reds aiming for glory on 4 fronts next term, the quality of depth will be vital.

Now coming to a likely departure in the summer transfer window, Marko Grujic could finally leave the club on a permanent basis. He joined the Reds from Red Star Belgrade in January 2016 and was immediately loaned back to the Serbian side until the end of the season.

Since then, he has been loaned out thrice, with moves to Cardiff City, Hertha Berlin (twice), and FC Porto. And Berliner Kurier (h/t Daily Star) now states that Hertha wants to make the move permanent, with Grujic also interested.

They loaned him in for two consecutive seasons before Gurjic’s temporary move to FC Porto last summer. It is evident that as of now, he does not have a place in Jurgen Klopp’s plans for Liverpool in the future.

More Liverpool News:

• Transfer News: Divock Origi set to depart Liverpool as Yves Bissouma eyed
• Liverpool could see three players return after Brazil mull Copa America decision
• Transfer News: Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek tipped to move to Liverpool

This makes him the second midfielder touted to leave the club Georginio Wijnaldum’s failure to renew his contract at Anfield.