Raphinha has agreed terms with Barcelona despite interest from Liverpool, according to reports. It’s not over, however.
This comes from Goal. They claim that Raphinha has agree personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a potential summer transfer from Leeds United.
Leeds, however, aren’t interested in negotiating over their star man before the end of the season. We imagine Barca don’t really want to either, however. There’s a chance Leeds go down this season and as Raphinha is a ‘massive talent (in the words of Jesse Marsch), he could be a bargain sale if things don’t go their way. Goal report there’s a £21m release clause in that situation.
So there’s still time to go on this one – but Barcelona have their foot firmly in the door and may not let anyone around them.
Which could be a problem for Liverpool.
Raphinha agrees Barcelona terms
There have been links between Liverpool and Raphinha for some time now. Fabrizio Romano told Anfield Watch a little over a month ago that he was ‘high on their list’ for the summer.
UOL, too, have said Liverpool want Raphina and even his agent – former Barcelona player Deco – says the Reds were in touch last summer about a transfer, per Globo Esporte.
We think there’s a lot to like about Raphinha, too, and there are few better replacements for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian’s future is up in the air right now, after all.
Liverpool’s ‘problem’ with rivalling Barcelona here, though, is that they must wait. Signing Raphinha only really makes sense if one or two leave the club – there are already five elite forwards at the club.
Barcelona, though, are clearly ready to go all-in ASAP and we wonder if that proves decisive. Liverpool’s priority must be contracts for Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino. Tnd that could cost them their shot at Raphinha.
Watch Raphinha Welcome to Barcelona Best Skills & Goals
CLICK HERE TO COMMENT
