Raphinha transfer news: Liverpool still in the race after Nunez signing?

James Shearman

15 Jun 2022 09:18 CDT
3 min read

Raphinha has been linked with a move to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, despite the signing of Darwin Nunez from Benfica.

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The Reds are thought to have identified Raphinha as a replacement for Sadio Mane, according to Sport, who is likely to leave for Bayern Munich this summer.

The 25-year-old has a price tag of around €65 million after he scored 11 goals for Leeds in the Premier League this season, higher than his FootballTransfers valuation of €44m.

However, despite Liverpool being more likely to afford Leeds' asking price, Raphinha reportedly already has an agreement in place with Barcelona and is desperate for the move.

FootballTransfers reported back in March that Barcelona were the preferred destination for Raphinha and that his agent, Deco, had spoken to both the Catalan giants and Chelsea.

Where will Raphinha be playing next season?

Teams initially began registering an interest in Raphinha earlier in the season as Leeds began to slide closer to the relegation places.

The 24-year-old was believed to have a release clause in his contract should Leeds have gone down, however the Whites secured survival on the final day of the season.

The change in fate meant that some teams were priced out of a move for Raphinha, including Barcelona, however the Spanish side still consider him a priority target.

Although the @TheAthleticUK have linked Raphinha with a move to Chelsea and Tottenham. We understand that it is Arsenal that have been moving with more intensity in recent days. There is still along way to go though. [@tjuanmarti🥇]
— Z (@ZRAFC) June 14, 2022

With Ousmane Dembele out of contract and set to leave the club, Barca are looking for a wide player and the club have already made contact over signing Angel Di Maria on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are unlikely to make a move after the signing of Darwin Nunez from Benfica for €100 million.

Raphinha would have to beat off competition from two of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and new signing Nunez for a place in the team.

That seems too much to ask for the Brazilian, and would provide Klopp with too much of a selection headache.

Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are among the other teams credited with an interest in Raphinha, although the forward could also end up staying at Leeds for another season.

Read more about: UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Premier League, Barcelona, Leeds United, Liverpool, Raphinha