---
title: "Liverpool: Reds ‘ramping up’ Raphinha chase"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-raphinha-transfer-gossip-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-06-05T11:10:56Z"
modified: "2022-06-05T11:10:56Z"
---

# Liverpool: Reds ‘ramping up’ Raphinha chase

**[Liverpool](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-fc-news/) are reportedly preparing to step up their pursuit of [Leeds United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/) winger Raphinha this summer, according to a report from [The Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/raphinha-transfer-liverpool-jurgen-klopp-27146665).**

### The lowdown: Anfield admiration

Directly contributing to [31 goals](https://www.premierleague.com/players/24156/Raphinha/stats) in 65 [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) appearances since arriving from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in October 2020, Raphinha has made a spectacular impact for the Whites and was integral to the Yorkshire club’s survival last term.

That form has led to strong links with a move away from Elland Road for the Brazilian winger, with Barcelona long [touted](https://www.teamtalk.com/leeds-united/raphinha-barcelona-transfer-news-diego-llorente-verdict) as the main suitors.

However, having initially been [linked](https://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpool-expressed-interest-in-raphinha-during-summer/1ejvfhm2dbier1t7tudmoyjqwk) with Raphinha last year, it appears as though the Reds could be about to reignite their admiration for the 25-year-old…

### The latest: Klopp’s a ‘fan’ of Raphinha

As per [The Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/raphinha-transfer-liverpool-jurgen-klopp-27146665), Liverpool are said to be ‘ramping up’ their interest in Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that Jurgen Klopp is a ‘big fan’ of the 25-year-old and could be willing to ‘sacrifice’ Takumi Minamino as part of a deal, as the Japanese forward has previously worked with Leeds manager Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg.

The report added that the man lauded as a [‘magician’](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/dan-james-describes-leeds-united-team-mate-as-a-magician-after-being-left-stunned-by-his-abilities-3456888) by team-mate Dan James is valued at £60m and ‘fits the bill perfectly’ for the Reds, as Klopp and Julian Ward seek a potential replacement for the seemingly wantaway Sadio Mane.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”398089″\]

### The verdict: Better options…

Although signing Raphinha would appear to be a sensational piece of business from Liverpool, the skilful Brazil international [predominantly](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/411295) operates as a right winger and cuts in from that side on his left foot, a position occupied on a near-permanent basis by Mohamed Salah at Anfield.

After ending the campaign [operating as a centre-forward](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sadio-mane/leistungsdaten/spieler/200512) following the success of Luis Diaz’s capture, Klopp and co would be best served to replace Mane with a natural central option, a role that the [eight-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/nationalmannschaft/spieler/411295/verein_id/3439) Brazil ace has carried out on just [one occasion](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/411295/saison//verein/0/liga/0/wettbewerb//trainer_id/0/pos/14) in his career.

\[freshpress-poll id=”345599″\]

Despite another stellar campaign in 2021/22, during which Raphinha [scored 11 times and provided three assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdaten/spieler/411295) in 35 league outings, at the mooted lofty asking price Liverpool should be looking elsewhere for their Mane successor. They have already been [credited with an interest](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-darwin-nunez-luis-diaz-24122325) in the likes of Darwin Nunez, who may be a better fit for the number nine role, having racked up [34 goals](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-darwin-nunez-luis-diaz-24122325) in the most recent campaign.

***In other news: [Another Liverpool rumour has emerged regarding this winger](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-fc-news/liverpool-fresh-arnaut-danjuma-rumour-emerges-klopp-mane-salah-transfer/)***