Any lingering possibility that Liverpool would compete with Chelsea and Barcelona for the signature of Raphinha now seems to have disappeared. The Reds have tied Mohamed Salah down to a new long-term contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2025.
Liverpool had previously been linked with a big-money move for Raphinha as negotiations with their star man came to a complete standstill. However, on Friday afternoon, they confirmed that the Premier League Golden Boot winner would be staying on Merseyside to put an end to any worries that he would leave for free next summer.
While it seems as though Chelsea and Barcelona are the only teams interested in signing Raphinha, Liverpool may have thrown their hat back in the ring had their impasse with Salah continued much longer. It seems very unlikely that they will look to acquire any more attacking players this summer, especially after they splashed £85m on Darwin Nunez.
Salah’s extension also further reaffirms the belief that Liverpool will not continue to pursue a move for Otavio from Porto. He was a player that – a couple of weeks ago – was the subject of interest from both the Champions League finalists and Leeds.
As it has transpired, it seems that neither side hold an interest in the Portugal international although it may still be something the Whites revisit if (and when) Raphinha leaves. If there is any chance of that, Leeds will have to fend off competition from Aston Villa who, according to reports in Portugal, are readying a big-money bid for Otavio.
Unfortunately though, for fans hoping to see Raphinha stay at Elland Road, talk about Salah and Otavio doesn’t really change the fact that he looks destined to leave. At present, Chelsea seem in pole position for the wideman having met Leeds’ valuation but the Brazilian’s desire to move to Barcelona leaves them well in the race.
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