LEEDS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Raphinha of Leeds United looks on during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road on January 16, 2021 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Peter Powell - Pool/Getty Images)
According to transfer news on Liverpool Echo (h/t ESPN), Liverpool are interested in battling Bayern Munich for the signature of Leeds United star Raphinha. The 25-year-old is currently out injured but has impressed with the Peacocks this season.
The winger first gained traction during his time at Sporting CP, after which Stade Rennais swooped him up. The Brazilian was an instant success at the French club as he scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists in 30 appearances in his opening campaign for the Ligue 1 side. In the following season, Leeds brought him to Elland Road. He has arguably been their best player since then but could now be on the move again.
Should Raphinha consider leaving Leeds United? Should Liverpool go ahead with a move for the highly-rated talent?
Since signing in 2020, Raphinha has gone from strength to strength in the Premier League. He has adapted well to the style of football in the country and has managed to maintain consistency despite injuries. The winger is also the club’s top scorer in the league this season with 8 goals to his name. Thus, he is a crucial part of the Marcelo Bielsa-led system at Elland Road.
Liverpool are understandably interested in the 25-year-old. The Reds have scored goals for fun this season, taking their tally to 50 strikes in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. Thus, there is obviously not a lack of goals with Mohamed Salah continuing to act as the talisman for the Merseyside club.
However, Salah is set to turn 30 next year and could leave on a free transfer in 2023 unless he pens a new deal by then. Mane also has only 18 months on his current contract, and the African star produced inconsistent performances last season. Roberto Firmino has failed to maintain consistency and will also enter the final year of his deal next summer.
Takumi Minamino has not looked comfortable when starting against top opposition, while the hierarchy is yet to replace Xherdan Shaqiri. The Reds do have exciting talent coming out of the academy but most of them are midfielders or defenders.
Thus, signing a player like Raphinha, who is on the brink of hitting his professional peak in the coming years, is not a bad option. Moreover, with a move likely to take place in the summer, the Brazilian international shall have a couple of years of top-flight experience under his belt.
The South American talent has impressed at Elland Road and has garnered multiple suitors. Bayern Munich admire the player and are plotting plans to secure a £50million move for the winger, as per Liverpool Echo (h/t Daily Mail). Kingsley Coman could leave soon, and the Bavarians are keen on adding reinforcements.
Thus, Liverpool shall have to fight tooth and nail to land the Premier League ace. They can offer similar incentives to the 5-time European champions, with both clubs functioning under the tutelage of intelligent German managers. The Reds look like a more finished project, but Bayern are an absolute powerhouse domestically as well.
Nevertheless, it shall be down to the player at the end of the day. He could also opt to stay at Leeds, but that could be a negative move for his dazzling career considering the Peacocks are not genuinely competing for trophies as much as Bayern and Liverpool. The attacker has the potential to explode and become a world-beater and the Merseyside club need to convince him that they can provide him with the platform to do so in the coming years.
