Liverpool set to miss out on Raphinha as Barcelona submit improved bid

Liverpool set to miss out on Raphinha as Barcelona submit improved bid to Leeds United

Barcelona have improved their bid for Raphinha, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano (h/t Liverpool Echo), and Liverpool look set to miss out on the Leeds United star.

The Brazilian will miss the West Yorkshire side’s pre-season tour in Australia and will remain in England to resolve his future. Chelsea are the other club interested in Raphinha and their bid has already been accepted by Leeds.

But Barcelona are pushing and the Brazilian is said to prefer a move to Camp Nou. Liverpool have also been associated with the player, but nothing has ever materialised between any parties.

Raphinha update. Leeds United now officislly confirm that Raphinha is not in the team for the tour of Australia. ⚠️ #LUFC

Raphinha will train in England while Leeds are in talks to sell him.

Barcelona have improved their verbal bid – Chelsea had proposal accepted 10 days ago. pic.twitter.com/bz94u6a2RD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2022

Raphinha wants a move away from Leeds this summer after two impressive seasons with the Whites. He’s become a fan favourite at Elland Road, especially for his heroics last season as the West Yorkshire club barely escaped relegation.

The Brazilian has featured 67 times for Leeds and has contributed 17 goals and 12 assists. The 25-year-old was ever-present in the team under Marcelo Bielsa and then Jesse Marsch.

The Brazilian scored in the final game of the season at Elland Road as the West Yorkshire side beat Brentford in a nail-biting finish to the campaign.

Raphinha has primarily played on the right-hand side of the attack. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP via Getty Images)

Fans won’t feel Liverpool have missed out

The left-footed winger has primarily played on the right for Leeds in his two seasons in the Premier League and has been adept at penetrating defences. The Brazilian’s quality on the ball is exceptional.

At Liverpool though, we have a certain Egyptian on the right-wing and fans will feel Raphinha’s chances of getting ahead of Mohamed Salah in the team are slim. The 31-year-old recently signed a new contract keeping him at the club till 2025.

This is not to say that Raphinha can’t play in any other position, but the competition in the team with the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino is a towering proposition for any professional.

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Reds fans won’t feel we’ve missed out on the Brazilian, rather, we already have players in the squad capable of performing at a high level and delivering silverware next season.