Liverpool are still interested in signing Raphinha this summer, despite Barcelona making a fast start to discussions with his agents.
That comes from Fabrizio Romano whilst writing for Anfield Watch. According to Romano, Raphinha is still ‘high up on the list’ of Liverpool’s targets this summer.
The journalist claims that The Reds ‘remain attentive’ to Raphinha’s situation and are ‘being taken into consideration’ by the player.
However, Barcelona have reportedly ‘started discussions’ with the 25-year-old’s agent, Deco. Barca hope that this will allow them to ‘gain the upper-hand’ in the race.
World Cup hopes for Raphinha
Raphinha looks virtually certain to be on the move from Leeds United this summer. The Yorkshire club look more likely to stave off the threat of relegation then they did a month ago, but that’s unlikely to make too much of a difference.
The winger, who new Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has already described as a ‘massive talent’ (Leeds Live), has established himself as part of Tite’s plans for Brazil during their successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
The tournament in Qatar is set to take place just a few months into the new season. Raphinha will possibly want to ensure that he as as visible as possible to Tite to keep him in high up in his thoughts.
If there is a possibility to move to a Champions League club, that would surely enhance his prospects of making the squad.
Until recently it looked as though Barcelona may not be playing Champions League next season. That could have put Liverpool at an advantage as they battle with the Catalans for Raphinha’s signature.
But Xavi has overseen an uptick in form for Barca. They now sit second in La Liga and look likely to be in next season’s elite European competition.
It isn’t that Raphinha wouldn’t get in the Brazilian team anyway. He has forced his way into the squad whilst at Leeds and clearly has the talent to sparkle whatever level he’s playing at.
However, a move higher up the footballing food-chain is starting to look inevitable. Liverpool look to be in the race, let’s see where it ends up.
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