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Glen Johnson thinks Leeds winger Raphinha should sign for Liverpool
Sky Sports pundit Glen Johnson believes Leeds winger Raphinha would be an excellent signing for Liverpool and thinks it a ‘realistic deal’ that could be done this summer.
The Brazilian has been the stand-out performer for the Whites in a terrible season, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in the Premier League.
But with their future in the division far from certain and interest from lots of top clubs across Europe, Johnson told BettingOdds.com that he believes the 25-year-old would fit in perfectly at Anfield if he were to leave Elland Road.
“I like Raphinha,” he said. “I think he’s the type of player who would go into that Liverpool mould.
“It’s a realistic deal as well. He’s not going to cost God-knows-whatever that the likes of Haaland are going to cost.
“I think Raphinha’s work ethic, the way he plays football and I just think we’ve seen it work already with Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz. Raphinha fits that mould as well.”
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It seems inevitable at this point that Leeds are going to lose their star man Raphinha this summer, whether they stay in the Premier League or not.
The interest is heating up across Europe with top teams showing their hand for a potential move, but Leeds are keen to keep hold of him.
Ultimately it will come down to an asking price being met and the player’s wishes, but if the club do have to let him go then they should ensure that he’s sent somewhere that he can’t do damage to the club directly.
By selling him to another Premier League side just cements the position of the Whites as a side way down the pecking order in the division and shows that any player is gettable for a fee.
Leeds don’t want to set that precedent because it opens up their squad to other sharks with cash, never mind just the top teams, so send him abroad so he can fly there and continue his development and Whites fans can say thanks and watch from a distance.
In other Leeds news, Phil Hay shares what positions Leeds want to sign for this summer, expects bid for named ace