Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Raphinha backed to snub Liverpool in favour of Barcelona or Real Madrid move
LIVERPOOL have been linked with Brazil international Raphinha, who has impressed for Leeds.
Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of Liverpool v Inter Milan
Liverpool could miss out on landing Leeds United star Raphinha this summer after the winger was tipped to move to La Liga, where he could link up with Real Madrid or Barcelona. The 25-year-old has been in imperious form for the Yorkshire club this season.
Leeds shelled out £17million plus add-ons to sign Raphinha from Rennes in September 2020.
The Whites became the player’s third club in as many seasons after a 12-month spell in France followed a year with Sporting Lisbon.
The ace, who has won five caps for Brazil, enjoyed a smooth transition to life in England and racked up an impressive six goals and nine assists during his debut campaign for Leeds.
And this season he has become even more potent in front of goal and has already found the back of the net eight times in 21 matches.
Raphinha has proved to be a menace to the best defences in the Premier League and has been tipped to depart Elland Road to join Liverpool.
MUST READ: Thibaut Courtois shares secret to saving Lionel Messi penalty and slams Real Madrid stars
But former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson thinks his compatriot would do better in Spain.
“It’s going to be really hard for Leeds United to keep Raphinha,” Kleberson told Paddy Power.
“A few months ago, many people thought that he was a good player, but he wasn’t rated that highly.
“However, after scoring for the Brazilian national team and emerging as Leeds’ best player, people are now talking about him.
DON'T MISS
Cristiano Ronaldo ‘wanted by three clubs’ as Jorge Mendes holds talks
Newcastle finally 'ready to satisfy' rival with £25m transfer
Liverpool 'invited' to make £42m transfer bid due to Barcelona mishap
“It’s going to be really hard for Leeds to keep him because there will be offers.
“Brazilians are always looking for a move away and a new challenge. They do well - then they look for their next challenge.
“He will leave the Premier League, but it would be hard for him to move to a Champions League club and receive the same amount of game time.
“I like the way he plays. But when I watch him in the Premier League and for the Brazilian national team, he is a different player.
“His style would suit a team in La Liga so I could see him moving to Spain.”
Raphinha still has over two years remaining on his contract at Elland Road and is valued at £36million, according to Transfermarkt.
And that could represent good value for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who could be looking to bolster his attacking options this summer if Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane don’t sign new deals.
The superstar forwards are both out of contract in the summer of 2023 and are yet to commit their futures to the Anfield club.