Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are interested in acquiring the services of 26-year-old Barcelona winger Raphinha.
According to a report by Fichajes, Liverpool are keen on having Raphinha in their ranks. The 26-year-old does not really have that important a role at Barcelona at this point in time and he could end up parting ways with the club in 2024.
The Brazil international made a name for himself while playing for Leeds United in the Premier League. On the back of his impressive performances in the English top flight, Barcelona came calling in the summer of 2022. The Catalan giants paid a fee of €58 million to acquire his services.
The 26-year-old had an impressive debut season at the club. He featured in 50 matches and was on the pitch for close to 3,000 minutes. He even contributed towards 22 goals. Raphinha managed to have an impact in his very first season but things have changed in the 2023-24 season.
The Brazilian winger has a secondary role under Xavi Hernandez in the ongoing season. He has featured in 11 matches but has been on the pitch for just 400 minutes. The lack of game time could force him to consider his future.
He might have a contract until the summer of 2027 but clubs are looking to push for his services in the summer of 2024. Liverpool are keen on having him in their ranks and they have been monitoring him for a while now.
With Mohamed Salah’s future uncertain, the Merseyside club are looking to sign a new right-sided winger. Salah has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. While the Reds are all set to block a move in the winter. They might not be able to keep hold of their star next summer. As a result, they are looking to sign Raphinha.
The 26-year-old is an exceptional talent and they feel he could help them cope with a situation where Salah parts ways with the club. Raphinha has experience of playing in the Premier League and won’t take much time to get used to things.
Meanwhile, his departure will raise significant funds which will help Barcelona cope with their financial struggles. It will help them invest in new players that could further bolster Xavi’s squad. But, it will depend on what kind of role he has until the end of the season.
It’s going to be a good business going forward.