Liverpool have reportedly “set their sights” on signing Brazilian Raphinha, and FC Barcelona are “willing” to let him leave this summer.
Liverpool are the Premier League club yet to sign this summer, but are likely to complete a deal or two before the move window closes at the end of this month.
It is widely reported that the Reds will sign a new number 6 after missing out on Martin Zubimendi, who had a reason to snub the Premier League giants.
In other positions, Liverpool will sign Valencia and Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has been selected to upgrade Alisson Becker on a long-term basis.
A report on Thursday morning claimed Liverpool had learned of the signing of a centre-back, although they could also enter the market for a new winger.
Raphinha is said to be among his passes and he claimed in the summer that Barcelona were willing to let him go while they looked to sign Spanish foreigner Nico Williams.
The former Leeds United star has already shone in the Premier League. He inspired last season by scoring ten goals and thirteen assists in the Premier League, but started 17 times in La Liga.
Liverpool’s evident interest in Raphinha comes amid reports linking Colombian Luis Diaz with a move elsewhere.
The winger was falsely associated with a move to Manchester City earlier this week, but Liverpool are reportedly “ready to sell” him before this move window closes.
According to a report in Spain, Liverpool have “set their sights” on Raphinha because they “see him as an imaginable replacement” for Diaz.
Raphinha is proposed as the “main alternative” to Liverpool because “Arne Slot believes that the profile of the Barcelona player would fit perfectly into his scheme, providing imbalance, speed and goals, characteristics that he has already demonstrated in his time in the Premier League. ” with Leeds”. Uni. ‘
Barcelona leader Joao Laporta is said to be “willing to negotiate” his sale and an offer of €60m (£51m) is said to have been “accepted”.
He explains.
“The negotiations between Barcelona and Liverpool are in an initial phase, emotions are positive.
“Both clubs could take advantage of this operation, which would fulfill the wishes of both. Raphinha, who has shown flashes of his quality but has not managed to identify himself as an undisputed starter with Flick, may be living his last days as a Barcelona player.
“If Liverpool comply with Barça’s demands and the 60 million they offer are made official, Joan Laporta will hesitate to accept.
“In a market where each and every move is crucial, Raphinha’s departure may be just the first step towards the arrival of new reinforcements to energize the Catalan team for the new season. “
Regarding Mamardashvili, a report from Fabrizio Romano claims that he has already “agreed contract terms” with Liverpool, while a report in Spain claims that he has “changed his mind” about his future.
He now looks “favourable” about his career path as he is expected to spend the 2024/25 campaign on loan at AFC Bournemouth before joining Liverpool in 2025, with the report stating that all sides “appear destined” to succeed in a full deal. . .