La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have been handed a major boost in pursuit of Raphinha, who prefers joining the Blaugrana over Liverpool.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Raphinha has taken a definitive call on his next destination. The Leeds United talisman favours joining Barcelona instead of staying put in the Premier League by moving to Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
Raphinha joined Leeds United from Stade Rennais in October 2020 and has since taken his game to the next level. One of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League, the 25-year-old has taken the baton of guiding the Whites to safety in the ongoing season, with the club mired in a relegation battle from the opening weekend.
The Brazilian international has a solid tally of nine goals and three assists in 27 Premier League appearances thus far this term. And Raphinha’s exploits have captured the attention of several high profile clubs across Europe, with Barcelona and Liverpool among his prospective suitors.
Barcelona will likely delve into the market for a wide-attacker in the summer transfer window as there are no guarantees they will sign Adama Traore permanently. In addition, Ousmane Dembele continues facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou, even though recent reports have suggested he is open to penning a renewal.
But with the Frenchman poised to leave Barcelona as a free agent as things stand, the Blaugrana must be on the lookout for a possible replacement, bringing Raphinha into the picture. And as per recent reports, the Brazilian winger is a priority target for Barcelona, who must fend off stiff competition from Liverpool to sign him.
The interest from Liverpool stems from the uncertainties surrounding the future of talisman Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian has a little over a year left on his deal to run out and is no closer to penning a renewal. If the contract situation drags on, Liverpool’s hand could be forced, pushing them to find a replacement, with Raphinha a viable target.
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But the 25-year-old prefers to join Barcelona instead of Liverpool in the summer transfer window. With the Blaugrana reportedly already submitting an offer to Leeds United, Raphinha could be inching closer to sealing a transfer to Camp Nou. For now, the stars seem to be aligning perfectly for the Catalan giants.
