Liverpool enter race to sign 25-year-old Barcelona target

Even as Barcelona are planning to step up their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha, they are set to face intense competition from Premier League giants Liverpool in the race for the Brazilian.

Indeed, according to the Mirror, Liverpool are ready to up the ante in their pursuit of the 25-year-old forward as they prepare for the departure of Sadio Mane.

Raphinha has been a huge success in the Premier League since arriving from Rennes in 2020. The winger enjoyed an impressive debut season in 2020/21 and backed it up with another fine campaign this time out, finishing with 11 goals and three assists to help Leeds avoid relegation.

Raphinha’s rise in stature over the past couple of years has put him on the radars of Barcelona. The Catalan giants have identified the former Sporting CP winger as their top candidate to replace Ousmane Dembele, who will be out of contract this summer.

The Brazilian international is understood to be keen on joining Barcelona, although Liverpool’s entry into the picture could change things.

As per the report, Liverpool might hold an advantage over Barcelona in pursuit of the £60 million-rated winger due to the Catalans’ poor financial situation.

On top of that, the Reds are open to offering Takumi Minamino, a target for Leeds United, as part of the deal to land Raphinha, which could stack the odds in the favour of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

It leaves Barcelona in a sticky position with regard to their pursuit of the Brazilian international. The Blaugrana are already believed to have agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old but are yet to find an agreement with Leeds over a transfer fee.

With Liverpool now in the fray and ready to offer Minamino as a makeweight, the Blaugrana are running the risk of missing out on Raphinha’s signing.