Fabrizio Romano: Leeds United demanded too much money to sell Raphinha
By Daniel Feliciano.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared that it was “impossible” for Liverpool to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha over the summer.
The 19-time champions of England were linked with a move for the Brazilian during the summer as Jurgen Klopp looked to improve his squad to be able to challenge for the title once again.
A move never materialised in the end and Raphinha ended up staying at Elland Road for a second season, after an excellent maiden campaign saw him register six goals and nine assists in 30 appearances.
According to Romano, who was appearing on the Empire of the Kop podcast, a deal was “never close” and was “impossible” because Leeds were asking for too much money.
“They only wanted to spend money on players with the right skills, in the right moment for the right price. The model for the deal has always been Diogo Jota, right moment, right price.
“It was not possible because Raphinha was one of the first players they had on their list, but Leeds were asking for a lot of money and it was impossible for them to sign the player in the summer.”
No chance.
The Elland Road faithful are sure to be delighted that the club stood firm in keeping their best player, with Romano previously claiming that they wanted at least £60m for him which is more than double his £29m value on TransferMarkt.
Raphinha has been the shining light in a Leeds side that has struggled this season, scoring six goals and registering one assist in 13 appearances so far this season.
His form has also seen him become part of the Brazil squad at international level, with the “sensational” 24-year-old winger earning five caps in 2021.
With his brilliant pace and wand of a left foot, Leeds would be much worse off without him and fans will be buzzing to hear that the club won’t let him leave easily any time soon.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action