Report: Latest update given on Raphinha’s future at Leeds, after claims Liverpool want to sign him

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Raphinha is a name that keeps cropping up for Liverpool fans. He has been excellent for a struggling Leeds United side this season. Furthermore we all saw his agent, Deco’s, comments on him earlier on in the season.

Liverpool are reported to be in the market for a new forward this summer. The 25-year-old Brazilian would be right at the top of many fans wishlists.

But getting him looks like being far from simple. A report this morning in The Athletic claims that talks over a new contract for Raphinha are making good progress. Leeds are hopeful that negotiations will be concluded before the end of this month.

It goes on to state that the Yorkshire club have currently received no offers for their best player. Regardless, they would have no intention of listening to any interest that did arrive.

Can a deal be done

This is clearly bad news for Liverpool’s hopes of signing the player. Despite pundits’ claims that he could “play for any team in the world”, Raphinha seems happy and settled at Leeds. This news appears to be confirmation of that.

However, signing a new contract doesn’t always mean committing to a club. Remember, Phillippe Coutinho signed a 5-year deal for Liverpool in January 2017. Six months later he was doing everything he could to leave the club before finally departing in January 2018.

There is no indication that Raphinha is plotting a similar departure. But given his current form he should be playing Champions League football. He was outstanding again on Sunday against West Ham United.

It could well be that Leeds are just protecting the value of their most saleable asset. The players’ relationship with the club may mean that he is just ensuring they get the highest possible amount for him when the time to sell does arrive.

Either way it is likely to add to a transfer value that is already soaring past £60m. Those kind of sums aren’t typical of what The Reds like to spend. Maybe Liverpool and Raphinha just aren’t meant to be after all.