Liverpool are reportedly preparing to make Barcelona winger Raphinha a top transfer target to replace Mohamed Salah next summer.
The Brazil international is expected to be the subject of a €100m bid from Liverpool, with the Reds prepared to pay big for him and Barca are also likely to view that type of figure as favourable.
This is according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, which also claims Atletico Madrid are interested in Raphinha, whose sale could help ease Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play concerns.
Raphinha’s incredible numbers for Barcelona show he could be perfect to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool
Raphinha has previously played in England during a successful spell at Leeds United, although he has arguably taken his game to another level at Barcelona.
| Raminha in Barcelona | Games | Goals |
| 2022/23 | 50 | 10 |
| 2023/24 | 37 | 10 |
| 2024/25 | 57 | 34 |
| 2025/26 | 7 | 3 |
The 28-year-old contributed a remarkable total of 60 goals and assists in 57 games last season, as noted in the Fichajes report. So it’s easy to see why Liverpool might view him as Salah’s ideal successor.
The fact that Raphinha has played in the Premier League would surely help him settle in as well, so it will be interesting to see if this deal comes to fruition.
It is clear, however, that a player of this caliber must be considered at the moment as it will not be easy to replace Salah after his worrying dip in form so far this season.
Can Raphinha succeed where other recent Liverpool signings have failed?
It’s still early, of course, but LFC fans will surely be concerned about the club’s recent signings and their complete lack of impact.
Hugo Ekitike has started well since arriving at Anfield, but fellow summer arrivals Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have all been disappointing.
There’s no guarantee Raphinha can shine where these have failed, but perhaps the Brazilian’s experience in English football can help him a little.
Then again, Isak and Kerkez joined Newcastle and Bournemouth respectively, so even signings from the same league are not guaranteed to adapt to new clubs, new tactical systems, managers and players.
