Liverpool face Premier League competition for perfect Salah replacement

Cameron Smith

• 5 Feb 2024 12:42 GMT
• 3 min read

Tottenham Hotspur are the latest Premier League club to express an interest in signing Barcelona star Raphinha, who has reportedly been identified as a possible long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.

The Brazil international moved to Camp Nou in 2022, but he was heavily linked with an exit during the most recent summer transfer window and talk of a departure remains prevalent.

Arsenal and Chelsea both wanted to sign Raphinha during his time at Leeds United, but he rejected a move to London in favour of joining Barcelona.

However, he could be set for a Premier League return in 2024 amid serious interest from numerous big clubs.

According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Tottenham have expressed their desire to sign Raphinha as Ange Postecoglou looks to sign attacking reinforcements.

Timo Werner joined Spurs on loan from RB Leipzig during the January window, but it remains to be seen if the German signs permanently this summer.

Raphinha to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool?

Relevo have reported that another unnamed Premier League club are also interested in signing Raphinha. Chelsea and Arsenal were both linked in 2022, while Liverpool have identified the Brazilian as a possible replacement for Salah, as per TEAMtalk.

Salah is currently sidelined through injury following his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations, and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. However, FootballTransfers understand the Egyptian is leaning towards signing a contract extension at Anfield, rather than moving to the Middle East.

Raphinha has been touted as a potential successor to Salah and he could be available in 2024.

The Brazilian enjoyed a productive first campaign in Spain, but he has totalled just eight league starts so far this season after losing his place in the Barcelona starting XI to 16-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Despite this, Raphinha has scored three goals and provided five assists in La Liga this term.