Liverpool hope to entice Leeds into Raphinha transfer by offering top target in return
Liverpool remain in the hunt to sign Raphinha from Leeds United with reports claiming they will offer top target Takumi Minamino as part of the transfer.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is planning for life without Sadio Mane, who looks set to join Bayern Munich. The future of Mohamed Salah also remains up in the air, with fresh reports claiming Barcelona are chasing a deal. It all adds up to Liverpool needing replacements and Raphinha is a top target.
That is according to the Mirror who report Liverpool have a plan to get their man. Barcelona have always been the hot favourites to land the Leeds star. However a deal is looking complicated to say the least.
The Catalan giants have one or two financial issues and could struggle to meet the valuation. Such a problem could now open the door for Liverpool to nip in.
Leeds are standing firm with their valuation. That is said to stand between £60m to £70m and Barcelona would need to sell first. While that is all playing out, the Mirror report Liverpool will make a move.
And they hold the trump card in the form of Minamino. Leeds have long been linked with a swoop for the 27-year-old. Indeed reports have recently suggested an enquiry has already been made. The same reports claimed that Italian side Lazio are also in the hunt.
There will be no shortage of interest in Minamino. He proved to be a very useful squad player for Liverpool last season, making 24 appearances in all competitions. He scored 10 goals and is now looking for more regular football.
Klopp would normally be reluctant to let him go. Such talented squad players are hard to find. And Divock Origi has already headed for the exit door to join AC Milan.
Leeds stand firm on huge Raphinha deal breaker
Leeds United won’t be moved from their stance on the Raphinha transfer as Barcelona want to pay in instalments
However if it means he can strike a deal for Raphinha then it is a price he is willing to pay. Leeds are in a pretty strong position and will not let their star forward go without a fight.
He has two years remaining on his current deal and Premier League survival ensured they do not need to sell. There is every chance they will however if the deal is right. That is where Minamino comes in. There is no mention of his value in the report although Liverpool did pay £7.25m in January 2020.
Liverpool Raphinha swoop makes sense
If indeed a replacement for Mane is needed then a swoop for Raphinha makes sense. He showed his quality last season in a struggling Leeds side that only stayed up on the last day.
11 goals and three assists is an excellent return and it goes without saying his game will move up a couple of notches with even better players around him. He is only 25 and his best years are yet to come. Unlike some other targets he is proven in the Premier League and the signing will not be as risky.
It is a significant outlay but Minamino can help to bring the price down. If Klopp does want Raphinha then now is the time to strike before Barcelona get their act together. Reports claim the Nou Camp would be his preferred destination.
