Reported Liverpool transfer target Raphinha has named Mohamed Salah as a player that he admires.
In an interview with TalkSPORT, the Leeds United winger said he uses the way the Liverpool man plays as an inspiration.
“Over time and playing against players you get that experience and contact with them on the pitch you build an admiration for them,” said Raphinha.
“I’d say that Mohamed Salah is one of those for the way that he plays, others as well.”
If reports are to be taken at face value, then Raphinha could very well be learning from Salah up-close at the AXA Training Centre next season.
Raphinha still an option for Liverpool
Raphinha to Liverpool is a transfer saga that has rumbled on throughout the current season.
Most recently, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claimed via Anfield Watch that Raphinha was still ‘high up’ on Liverpool’s list of attacking targets.
In light of Raphinha’s comments today, it’s somewhat ironic that should he join The Reds, it could be as a contingency plan in the event of Salah’s exit.
Should that turn of events come to pass, at least Liverpool fans can be safe in the knowledge that they’d have the next best thing.
If Jurgen Klopp were to look to Raphinha this summer, it’s certain that they’d have to pay a whole lot more than the £17m it cost Leeds to prise him away from Rennes in 2020.
Taking the load off Mo
There’s certainly an argument that Liverpool should look to strengthen their right-wing position regardless of Salah’s situation.
Klopp doesn’t currently have a natural alternative to Mo should he go down with injury or fatigue. As seen by his struggles in-front of goal in the early part of this calendar year, Mo isn’t immune to feeling the effects of a gruelling season.
The manager may be observing how Luis Diaz’s arrival – viewed by some as being a threat to Sadio Mane’s long-term future – has led to Mane having a new lease of life.
It’s highly likely that given the competitor that he is, a similar type of signing on Salah’s side of the pitch might yield similar results.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
