Raphinha focused on Leeds as Liverpool reportedly eye £60m transfer

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Raphinha could well leave Leeds United in the summer, with Liverpool reportedly eyeing a transfer. The Brazilian addressed his future on Tuesday.

Liverpool supposedly rate Raphinha highly and want to sign the Brazilian. Spox in Germany believe so, certainly, claiming that the Reds have a stronger interest than Bayern Munich.

Fabrizio Romano, too, says Liverpool could make a move in the summer. He told Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel that he’d ‘keep an eye’ on the Reds bidding for Raphinha as they look at transfers this summer. Romano also mentioned a price – at least £60m.

And if that’s not enough for you, Raphinha’s agent, Deco, outright stated that Liverpool tried to sign his player last summer. Leeds just didn’t want to sell.

So there’s a lot to go on here and it certainly appears that Raphinha has held a prominent place on the Liverpool shortlist. So what are the chances of him moving this summer? The BBC tried to get an answer from the man himself.

Raphinha on his future

“I’ve got a contract until 2024,” said Raphinha, per BBC West Yorkshire. “My head is totally here, focused on Leeds.

“As for contractual matters, I leave them for my agent and my dad – I just focus on playing football, making Leeds fans happy, scoring goals, providing assists and getting victories for the team.

“Contractual matters are for my agent. My focus is on making people happy with my football and doing my best for Leeds.”

It’s a thoroughly professional answer – let’s call it that. Raphinha isn’t trying to ruffle a single feather with his response and that’s more than understandable.

There’s no question that he’d be a strong signing for Liverpool if they can make it happen. Raphinha is a brilliant player and one who’s already showing his level in the Premier League. He’s got teammates like Illan Meslier calling him ‘unbelievable’ as his stock continues to rise. It’s just a matter of the price Leeds would sell at.

On top of that, Luis Diaz’s arrival likely lowers the price Liverpool are willing to pay. It promises to be a big summer at Liverpool, though, and Raphinha is undoubtedly one to watch.