Liverpool Make Shock Move For £60 Million Premier League Star

Liverpool have submitted an offer in the region of £60 million for Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to reports coming out of Spain.

However, Raphinha’s representatives, led by former Chelsea midfielder Deco, have decided to reject every offer coming their way as they wait for the playmaker’s preferred suitors to make a move. These preferred suitors are Barcelona, who are understood to hold long-term interest in the 25-year-old. The star has thus rejected a move to Anfield at this point.

Barcelona are currently unable to make an effort to sign Raphinha due to their weak economic conditions and due to the hefty price tag Leeds have priced on him, upwards of £60 million. 

However, the Spanish giants are hoping to ease their financial burden by selling players in the coming weeks, including Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked to Manchester United.

The Merseyside club are also closing in on the signing of Nunez from Benfica after agreeing a £65 million deal with the Portuguese giants. Jurgen Klopp is eager to add more to his forward line as he anticipates the departure of Sadio Mane.

The German boss has identified Leeds star Raphinha as a potential option, as someone who can operate across the frontline, but predominantly from the right. With Mane off to Bayern, Divock Origi going to Milan and Takumi Minamino supposedly on his way out, the Reds are in need of more than just Nunez to supplement their attack.

It’s thought that Nunez is being brought in to operate down the middle, where both Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota can also be deployed. If Mane does leave, Liverpool will therefore be left with just Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah in the wide forward roles.

Raphinha operates predominantly on the right but has also spent time on the left in the past. His creativity, goal threat and pressing are valuable attributes Klopp will be looking for in any need forward addition.

The 9-time capped Brazil international scored 11 goals in 36 appearances for the Yorkshire side last season.