Report: Liverpool Weigh Up Move For La Liga Star Amid Salah Uncertainty | OneFootball

Raphinha on the Premier League Radar – Is Liverpool’s Interest Justified?

Barcelona’s Brazilian star Raphinha is once again at the centre of transfer speculation, with reports from Caught Offside indicating that Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are all keeping a close eye on the winger’s performances. At 28, he is enjoying his best season yet, boasting an impressive 20 goal involvements in La Liga and an additional 13 contributions in the Champions League.

This has naturally led to widespread discussion over whether the Premier League is his next destination, and more importantly, if Liverpool should be leading the chase.

Raphinha’s Rise to the Top

Since leaving Leeds United in 2022, Raphinha’s trajectory has only gone upwards. After a period of uncertainty regarding his future last summer, the Brazilian stayed at Barcelona and has repaid the club with electric form. His numbers speak volumes—13 goals and nine assists in La Liga, alongside nine goals and four assists in the Champions League. These statistics place him among the most decisive wingers in world football.

It’s no surprise that Mikel Arteta has a long-standing admiration for him, with Caught Offside confirming that Arsenal previously attempted to sign him. “Arsenal hold a long-term interest in the attacker and made an offer to sign him from Barcelona in the past,” they reported. However, Barcelona rejected the bid, believing it was not financially viable.

With Arsenal still keen and Liverpool reportedly assessing their options due to the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future, the race for Raphinha is heating up.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Next Move – Is Raphinha the Right Fit?

Liverpool’s reported interest in Raphinha primarily stems from the ongoing question marks over Salah’s future. The Egyptian is out of contract in 2025, and the club must consider a succession plan should he decide to move on. Given Raphinha’s versatility, experience in English football, and his current form, he would be a natural candidate to step into a high-profile role.

Yet, questions remain. While Raphinha is undoubtedly an elite player, his style is not identical to Salah’s. Salah thrives on direct runs, relentless pressing, and a clinical finishing ability that very few wingers in world football can match. Raphinha, while technically gifted and creative, is more of a traditional wide playmaker than an explosive goal machine.

Financially, Liverpool could compete for his signature. “Both Man United and Liverpool are better equipped financially to sign Raphinha and they can make an offer to Barcelona which the Spanish club could consider good enough,” Caught Offside reports. But with Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles, they will demand a significant transfer fee—likely exceeding £70 million. Would Liverpool be willing to invest that sum when there are younger, high-potential alternatives available?

The Saudi Factor – Another Contender in the Race?

Beyond the Premier League, Saudi Pro League clubs are also monitoring the situation. Their ability to offer enormous wages could present Barcelona with an attractive alternative if they decide to cash in. However, as Caught Offside notes, the prestige of the Premier League could keep Raphinha from considering that move at this stage in his career.

Ultimately, while Barcelona would prefer to keep their star winger, the club’s financial realities might force them into a sale. The question for Liverpool is whether they truly see Raphinha as the ideal successor to Salah—or if this interest is more opportunistic than strategic.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, the potential pursuit of Raphinha raises several key talking points. First, does he truly fit into the system that Arne Slot will be implementing at Anfield? If Liverpool are looking for a like-for-like Salah replacement, Raphinha is not necessarily the ideal candidate. His playing style leans more towards creativity rather than relentless goal-scoring.

Second, the financial side cannot be ignored. If Barcelona demands upwards of £70 million, is that a justifiable price for a 28-year-old winger? Liverpool, under FSG, have been highly strategic with their spending, prioritising younger signings with resale value. Would they break that model for Raphinha, or would they rather focus on a younger prospect like Nico Williams?

Finally, if Salah does stay, would Liverpool even need Raphinha? His arrival would likely push Luis Díaz out of the starting XI, which may not be a necessary move unless Liverpool anticipate further departures.

Overall, while Raphinha is an exciting name and undoubtedly one of the best wide forwards in Europe right now, Liverpool’s approach to recruitment means this transfer feels unlikely unless Salah’s situation changes dramatically in the coming months.