Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool transfer news: Desperation saw deal for superstar’s brother explored as surprise midfield signing

PSG midfielder Rafinha

Liverpool could’ve signed a Brazil international other than Arthur Melo as the window wound down after Fabrizio Romano revealed they explored a move for Thiago’s brother, Rafinha.

Many are pointing to Liverpool’s decision not to perform major surgery on their midfield this summer as the primary reason behind their struggles. The Reds started the season slowly and hit a new low on Wednesday night.

Liverpool travelled to Naples – an admittedly difficult prospect at the best of times – though what they produced shocked fans, pundits and their own manager alike.

The Reds were cut to pieces with consummate ease, something that has raised compelling questions about Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, to name just a few.

Klopp insisted the much talked about high line must stay. The German declared that tactic can continue to serve Liverpool well – though only if they’re pressuring the ball carriers higher up the pitch.

That once again puts the microscope back onto Liverpool’s midfield. 36-year-old James Milner again looked off the pace in Italy despite giving it his all as usual.

Liverpool fans clamoured for midfield additions throughout the summer. Klopp insisted they’d only sign the right player and Arthur Melo was drafted in on loan when the injury bug began to bite.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds could’ve signed a different Brazil international.

Liverpool sized up Thiago’s brother

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer guru stated the Reds cast their net far and wide, including in the direction of Thiago’s brother, Rafinha.

Romano said: “Liverpool explored many possibilities, I can tell you one of the names they had on the list was Rafinha from PSG.”

The 29-year-old shares many of the trait of his superstar brother, though has failed to hit the same heights in his career.

He earned two caps for Brazil in 2015 and spent the bulk of last season out on loan with Real Sociedad.

Unlike Thiago, Rafinha’s early promise has not fully developed and that was evident in the move he ultimately made this summer.

With no serious interest emerging from within Europe, Rafinha completed a move to Qatari side Al-Arabi on September 3.

Could Rafinha have worked at Anfield?

Rafinha remains a technically gifted player, though Klopp has clearly stated he needs more solidity and energy in his midfield.

At 29, Rafinha would not have provided what Liverpool need and it’s hard to see him getting the nod over Thiago or Harvey Elliott when they’re fit, for example.

The fact he opted for a move to Qatar while still in his 20s also speaks volumes.

A Rafinha move would’ve held an air of desperation and Arthur’s promising cameo in a more solid second half in Naples suggests he may well contribute during his loan.