Manchester City are ready to rival Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Leeds United star Raphinha this summer.
According to Sport Italia journalist Gianluigi Longari, Manchester United and Liverpool are set to face fresh competition from Manchester City in the pursuit of Raphinha. The Leeds United attacker is one of the hot prospects in the market this summer and could attract more interest, although the Whites are determined to keep him at the club next season.
Raphinha moved to the Premier League last summer, for a fee of almost €20 million. He was highly rated in France due to his performances with Rennes. And the attacker didn’t take much time settling into life in England either, becoming a key figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s offensive unit that has mesmerised the league.
In what is his debut campaign in England, Raphianha has been involved in a total of 12 goals in 26 appearances. His overall impact, however, has been greater, as the Brazilian has nicely fitted into Bielsa’s heavy pressing side, offering his side with energy, speed and trickery down the right flank.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed among the Premier League’s top clubs, with Manchester United emerging as one of the earlier clubs to be linked with a move for Raphinha. The 24-year-old could be an excellent answer to Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer’s attacking woes, especially if his side fails to secure the services of Jadon Sancho in the summer.
Manchester City’s interest in Raphinha, however, is slightly surprising as the Sky Blues do already boast an excellent attacking unit. Phil Foden has become one of England’s top performers while Riyad Mahrez, Ferran Torres and Raheem Sterling are considered as a vital part of the club’s long-term plan, although the latter has not been performing well recently.
As for Liverpool, their desire to sign Raphinha likely stems from the uncertainty regarding the future of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian wizard, despite being among the goals, has struggled with consistency and might welcome a move abroad, with Real Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs being linked with a move for the player in the past.
As far as Raphinha is concerned, he might be a bit too expensive option for Jurgen Klopp and his men, with Leeds United more than likely to ask somewhere in the region of over €80 million for the services of their prized asset this summer.