Fabrizio Romano has revealed what he has been told about Liverpool target Raphinha after he was very heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
The Brazilian is having a personal season to remember even if Leeds aren’t matching their talisman’s performances themselves.
The former Rennes winger has 8 goals and 1 assist in the Premier League this season and would be forgiven for thinking he’s the sole reason they’re not keeping Norwich City company at the very bottom of the league standings.
It’s odd because Marcelo Bielsa’s men have some good players and I refuse to believe they’re a one-season wonder type of team and, of course, Patrick Bamford has battled with injury but without Raphinha they would almost certainly be facing guaranteed relegation.
Bayern Munich agreed deal to sign Raphinha in the summer
TNT Sports Brazil broke the ‘news’ that the freshly turned 25-year-old had agreed to join Bayern Munich, with the Bavarians agreeing to pay Leeds a reported €50million (£42m) but this has not been reported anywhere else.
It was an announcement that panicked Liverpool fans as many on social media have been closely watching the silky winger this season and believe he could be just the player to come in and compete with Mohamed Salah and provide him with some much-needed cover.
With the African Cup of Nations around the corner, the Leeds forward would be the perfect signing in January but Leeds would never sell him even for £60million as their Premier League status rests on his shoulders.
Fabrizio Romano provides update on Raphinha transfer situation
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist said a proposal from Bayern has not yet been forthcoming but did say that the Bundesliga giants have been tracking his progress and to keep an eye on what is a potentially fluid situation.
“We had rumours during this Christmas period about an imminent move to Bayern,” he said. “Someone in Brazil reported about a done deal.
“From what I’m told guys, nothing has been agreed yet between Leeds and Bayern. It’s true that Bayern and many other clubs are following Raphinha.
“We’re talking about one of the best wingers in Europe, he’s doing great with Leeds but as of now, nothing has been agreed.
“Let’s see what is next for Raphinha. Let’s see what happens in the coming days, let’s see if Bayern will make a proposal.”
Raphinha would limit Harvey Elliott’s progress at Anfield
Deco, Raphinha’s agent, said in the summer: “He’s an important player. There are certainly several clubs that like him, and Liverpool do like him.
“There were approaches, but nothing official. Leeds wanted to keep him for another season.”
Romano said recently that the forward is valued at £60m and while he’s certainly a top, top player, if Liverpool have Elliott coming through who is just so exciting to watch, very versatile and clearly a player that Jurgen Klopp rates and trusts, why sign Raphinha and limit his game time?
If the German thinks Elliott can become an inside forward, which I’m not sure is his destiny at this point given his game time in midfield before his awful injury which ironically came against Leeds, then he needs to trust him for the rest of the season to see how he develops before diving back into the transfer market.
Elliott seems like a truly special player and he’s still only 18. It’s such a shame he got injured because he seemed set to play an important role this season.
