Liverpool are on the verge of signing Benfica forward Darwin Nunez in a £64 million move that is likely to end their interest in Raphinha. The Uruguayan finisher looks set to sign a six-year deal, according to the Sunday Times , after scoring 34 goals in 41 games across all competitions.
Jurgen Klopp had shown interest in Raphinha as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, should the Senegal international depart for Bayern Munich this summer, and was willing to use Takumi Minamino as leverage in a potential deal. But the Brazilian has cited guaranteed playing time - which he is unlikely to get at Anfield - as a major deciding factor ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year, and has seemingly set his sights on a move to Barcelona instead.
But now Liverpool’s signing of Benfica striker Nunez has quashed any remaining possibility of a move for the Whites man. Despite the two being different players entirely, Klopp and his team were looking for one marquee forward to refresh the forward line and add goals - they lack the financial freedom of the likes of Manchester City or Chelsea, tending to bring in only one big-money signing per window.
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Leeds are not out of the water regarding their talisman’s future, however, with Barcelona pushing for a deal to be done - Arsenal have also shown reported interest. Those in charge at Elland Road have set a price tag of around £60-70 million for the 25-year-old, who scored 11 goals and racked up three assists in the league last season.
The Catalan club are in the midst of a financial crisis, with officials claiming €500 million is needed just to keep them afloat, but the sale of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United could pave the way for Raphinha’s departure from West Yorkshire.
Leeds face pressure from all angles for both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, who is reportedly becoming more and more likely to join Premier League champions Manchester City. The midfielder should also command a fee of around £60 million.
It is sure to be a long summer at Elland Road as the club try to fend off the sharks of Europe’s elite, but Liverpool’s £64 million deal is likely to take them out of the running.
