Brazilian winger Raphinha has been on the radar for Liverpool during the past few months but up until now, Leeds United have been reluctant to sell.
The winger joined Leeds from Rennes just last summer and his first year in the Premier League, he has made more than a decent impact at the club, scoring six and assisting nine goals in 30 league matches.
And with Salah’s form dipping this season, Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen to sign Raphinha as the long-term replacement to the Egyptian. With only Liverpool interested in him, Leeds United were not too keen to put him on sale but recent reports have suggested that Manchester City could also be inclined towards bringing him on board.
Last week, Sport Italia journalist Gianluigi Longari had claimed on Twitter: “Liverpool lead the race for Raphinha but also Manchester United and Manchester City are following the winger. Not a simple deal cause Leeds want to keep him.”
Confirmed. Liverpool lead the race for #Raphinha but also Manchester United and Manchester City are following the winger. Not a simple deal cause Leeds want to keep him. #LFC #LUFC #MUFC #MCFC @tvdellosport https://t.co/Pj7ziC5apy
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) June 3, 2021
And now according to ex-Leeds man Danny Mills, even though Leeds United want to hold onto Raphinha for one more season but a big enough transfer fee could easily sway their interests and force them to part ways with the Brazilian.
He told Football Insider: “People will be looking at him, without a doubt. He’s clearly talented but they might just give him another season to see what he does.
“I’m not too sure where he’ll be. There will be teams looking at him but they might just wait rather than gamble.
“It’s going to be big money, big, big money to get him out of Leeds. Teams might be prepared to wait. What’s he going to cost? £40-£50million. Leeds could accept £40m. That’s a big gamble.”
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Both Liverpool and Manchester City are looking for attacking reinforcements for the new seasons and if Leeds United are actually ready to sell the 24-year-old for £40 million then he could turn out to be a bargain buy.
Leeds United do not need to sell Raphinha for any financial reasons but £40-50 million is a lot of money for someone who has been at the club for just one season. So there’s every chance that if Liverpool or Man City can offer the right price then the winger will be playing for either one of them next season.
Liverpool will have the slight upper hand in this race since Raphinha will get more playing time at Anfield but a move to the Etihad will guarantee him silverwares next season.
