Transfer News: Liverpool target and Leeds United winger Raphinha prefers Barcelona move
According to Spanish outlet Sport (h/t LiverpoolEcho), Liverpool target Raphinha will only consider a move to FC Barcelona if he leaves Leeds United in the summer transfer window.
In this campaign, Raphinha has been one of the stand-out performers for relegation-threatened Leeds United. He has scored ten goals and has given three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term.
Liverpool have remained interested in 25-year-old Raphinha. Even though the Reds signed Luis Diaz to provide backup to Sadio Mane, there isn’t any quality option in the right-wing spot apart from Mohamed Salah.
So, Jurgen Klopp’s job would get much more manageable if Raphinha joins the Merseyside team’s attacking contingent. Mane famously played down that flank for us before Mo’s arrival from AS Roma but has found success playing down the middle in recent times.
However, it is now believed that Raphinha would only move to the Catalan team if he leaves Leeds United in the summer window, and he would get much help from his agent, Deco, who is a former Barcelona star.
Blow for Liverpool?
Raphinha can be a good option in the short as well as the long term. Roberto Firmino has struggled with injuries this season and that has seen Mane and Diogo Jota get gametime as a centre-forward.
If such a trend continues, the Leeds star would be a good option to have. However, if he does prefer a move to Camp Nou, then the Reds are better off calling this move. Since Salah hasn’t signed a contract extension yet, there is added uncertainty about the Egyptian’s future at Anfield.
Raphinha has earned plenty of experience during his stay in the Premier League. He is swiftly entering his peak years and has what it takes to succeed at a big club like the Reds or Barca. But potentially missing out on him would not be the end of the world.
It is better if the club rather focuses such energy to get in a number 9 who can compete with Firmino, or replace him in that role in the long term. Potentially bringing in a natural back-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold also doesn’t sound like the worst idea in the world.
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Liverpool have to move their focus to other transfer targets. As the summer window is closing in, the Reds board would also know that Raphinha isn’t the only talented winger in the world outside of Liverpool.
Moreover, it could well be his loss if he decides against a move here. Mane and Salah have hit a different level under Klopp and still have a few years left in their tank. Hence, there isn’t a big reason for LFC fans to worry about now when it comes to having depth up front.
