Reports | Raphinha rejects Liverpool interest in favour of Barcelona move
Raphinha set to move to Barcelona
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According to reports from Sport, Raphinha has snubbed an offer from Liverpool to join the English side and prefers to join Barcelona as the Brazilian winger waits for an offer from the Spanish side. Raphinha played a pivotal role in ensuring Leeds’ stay in the Premier League ahead of next season.
Raphinha has established himself as one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League after joining Leeds in October 2020. The Brazilian was a crucial component of then-manager Marcelo Bielsa's high-octane footballing philosophy as he registered 15 goal contributions for the side in the 2020-21 campaign. The English side had lost all form and suffered injuries to several key players in a dismal 2021-22 season which catapulted them into a relegation battle.
Jesse Marsch was bought in as the new manager to spark life onto the team and the American coach was successful in keeping the side in the Premier League with key players such as Raphinha proving to be the difference. So much so, that the Brazil international has been a priority transfer target this summer for Barcelona and Sport has reported that Raphinha is all set to turn an offer from Liverpool in order to realize his dream of representing the Spanish side in the future.
Barcelona are set to lose out on the services of winger Ousmane Dembele this summer and Blaugrana boss Xavi Hernandez is keen on reinforcements in attack as they look to wrap up a deal for the Brazilian. On the other hand, the Reds had identified Raphinha as a potential Mohamed Salah replacement although the Brazilian has other ideas. The report has indicated that Barcelona will make an official offer soon after balancing their books and that personal terms have already been agreed upon with Raphinha keen on signing for them.
