Transfer News: Barcelona are set to enter the race with Liverpool to sign Brazilian winger Raphinha
According to Fabrizio Romano via Twitter (h/t Daily Mail), Barcelona have joined Liverpool in the race to sign highly-rated Brazilian winger Raphinha from Leeds United in the summer.
Raphinha has been a stand- out performer for Leeds ever since he made the switch to England from Stade Rennais back in 2020. The Brazilian sensation has been very consistent for the Yorkshire based club scoring nine goals and assisting three more across 28 games this season.
The 25-year-old forward has a contract until 2024 with the Peacocks but with the club struggling to stay in the top flight, there is a feeling that Raphinha may have outgrown Leeds and could be ready for the next big step.
Liverpool are said to be very keen on the talented Brazilian, but they are not alone with Barcelona also supposedly a part of the race. According to Fabrizio, the Catalan club has already established contact with Raphinha’s agent Deco, who happens to be a former player of the Blaugrana. Chelsea are also said to be in the hunt for the Leeds frontman.
Would Raphinha fit in at Liverpool?
If the Whites get relegated, it is almost certain that Raphinha will not stick around at Leeds next season. As things stand, the Yorkshire outfit are 16th in the Premier League table and are stuck in a relegation battle.
Liverpool are stuck in a contract stand-off with Mohamed Salah, not being able to reach an agreement in terms of wages. While the prolific winger might end up staying at Anfield, if he fails to renew with the Reds, Raphinha could be one of the options who could replace him in the right-wing position.
The Brazilian is similar to Salah in many attributes and would be the perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s system. Having been trained under Bielsea’s high-pressure system at Leeds, he would not have a tough time adapting at Liverpool.
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At 25, Raphinha could be the perfect signing for Liverpool, especially if Salah were to leave. However, with clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea also in the hunt for the Brazilian, the Reds will not have it easy and may struggle to convince the winger to come to Anfield.
