Liverpool lead Manchester United in the race for Raphinha
According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari on Twitter, Manchester United have fallen behind Liverpool in the race for Raphinha.
The Leeds United ace has enjoyed an excellent first season in the English top-flight with Leeds United. He has thrived under Marcelo Bielsa and has seen his value skyrocket in recent months.
His performances have attracted the attention of some of the league’s top teams. This also includes Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who beat us to the title this season.
Leeds are not ready to part ways with their star man. With a number of clubs in the fray, the deal is far from straightforward. The 24-year-old is an excellent winger and would improve any team he joins.
The player recently admitted that he is happy at Elland Road. However, he is close to the Liverpool players on Merseyside, especially Roberto Firmino, and that could work in their favour.
Raphinha scored 8 goals and made 11 assists in 38 appearances. With Premier League experience under his wing, he can only be expected to get better next season. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The Brazilian is also close to United star Bruno Fernandes. The duo spent a fruitful season together at Sporting Lisbon and have stayed in touch since. They struck up a good partnership, notching up an impressive tally of 39 goals and 23 assists combined. (h/t The Sun)
Whether this gives us a chance to make a move for him remains to be seen. The last thing we want is to see him strengthen a rival.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United to keep a close eye on transfer targets at Euros
- Pau Torres not keen to leave Villarreal amidst Manchester United interest
- Manchester United enter the fray for Lille star Zeki Celik
It is quite rare for a Leeds ace to move to United given the rivalry between both sides. The last player to move to Old Trafford from Elland Road was Alan Smith in 2004.