Liverpool are reportedly in pole position to sign Raphinha with a bid expected but it’s “not a simple deal cause Leeds want to keep him.”
There’s a fair bit to unpack here so bear with me. As per Mercado Ingles, the Reds are ready to submit a ‘first official offer’ to Leeds United for Raphinha worth €37million (£32million) after he shone in the Premier League this season.
This was then refuted by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, who is claiming that although Liverpool are certain to be interested in the forward, they “have never made contact with Leeds United over him.”
Smyth goes on to say that it would likely take a huge bid to sign the Brazilian following a debut season in the Premier League that yielded 8 goals and 11 assists.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Raphinha of Leeds United challenges Dara O’Shea of West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road on May 23, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Lynne Cameron – Pool/Getty Images)
He still has three years on his contract with Leeds and so they are under pressure to sell and can therefore demand a massive fee for his services which would likely become an issue for Liverpool.
Now, journalist Gianluigi Longari says: “Confirmed. Liverpool lead the race for Raphinha but also Manchester United and Manchester City are following the winger. Not a simple deal cause Leeds want to keep him.”
The key detail in all this is that Leeds want to keep Raphinha and that above all else will be the deciding factor.
Marcelo Bielsa wants to keep ahold of his forward. There’s always a way for a transfer to be done but it’s going to take huge money to pry him away from a side that finished 9th, just 10 points behind Liverpool at the first time of asking on their return to the Premier League.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Raphinha of Leeds United scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on November 28, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
If I had to guess, I imagine Leeds would demand anywhere between £50m-£60m for his services and while Liverpool are in the market for a new forward, that is simply too much for the Reds to be spending on a player that would not be guaranteed a starting spot.
It’s for that reason it’s likely that the Anfield outfit would be looking more at signing Patson Daka, who is reportedly available for £25million.
The Reds have been linked again with a move for the Zambian forward and he was omitted from his nation’s squad for this month’s international friendlies as his manager confirms he is in talks over his club future.
In all competitions, this season, Daka got 34 goals and assisted 12 in 42 games and if he could get even half of that at Liverpool, he’d be a hit sensation.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – FEBRUARY 21: Patson Daka of RB Salzburg celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between RB Salzburg and Club Brugge at Red Bull Arena on February 21, 2019 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images )
While it’s unclear who exactly will end up at Liverpool, it’s certain that at least one forward will join the club this summer but given their history in the transfer market, it seems highly doubtful that a massive fee will be spent on a forward.
