Liverpool target Raphinha hopeful of playing Champions League football with Leeds
Cameron Smith
- 16 Nov 2021 15:00 CST
- 3 min read
Leeds United winger Raphinha has revealed that he hopes to play Champions League football one day, and that he hopes it's with the Yorkshire club.
The Brazilian has attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool thanks to his form since joining the Premier League, but has insisted that he's happy where he is right now.
With five of Leeds' 11 league goals this season, Raphinha has once again been crucial for Marcelo Bielsa's side, and that impressive form has only increased the frequency of exit rumours.
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Liverpool are reported to be interested, but nothing concrete has been confirmed so far.
Either way, Raphinha has admitted that a move away from Elland Road isn't something he's thinking about right now.
What has Raphinha said?
Speaking to AS, Raphinha revealed what it was like to work under Bielsa, and whether a move away is on the cards.
He began by saying: "From my first days at the club, I already saw how special Bielsa was.
"He’s a guy who works a lot, who knows a lot about football.
"He’s the typical professional who dedicates 100% of his time to the institution that he represents and we are very lucky that he’s our coach.
"He knows how to get the most out of each one of us. This makes us raise our level."
When asked if playing Champions League football is on his mind, the Brazilian replied: "Of course. I’m very happy at Leeds and hopefully we can play in the Champions League."
Raphinha is currently represented by former Portugal and Chelsea midfielder Deco, who told Globo Esporte: "Leeds’ option was good, a solid club with a good coach.
"Leeds really believed in Raphinha and they signed him. Raphinha has a market, and Leeds have high expectations, it was never a project in a hurry. He has ambitions to play at a higher level despite Leeds being in the Premier League. But this is not the time and his focus, things will happen naturally.
"Raphinha is happy at Leeds and for sure the time will come to take the biggest leap in his career, to take a step forward. He has a three-year contract, but it’s not the contract that defines the length of stay or prevents a transfer."
So, it seems a move to Liverpool isn't on the forefront of Raphinha's mind.
