Liverpool boss Arne Slot should sign an ‘unplayable’ winger, who Jurgen Klopp tried to sign in 2022, this summer transfer window.
A new era is beginning at Anfield following Jurgen Klopp departure, ending an eight-and-a-half-year stay at the club.
Slot has become his successor after a successful period as PSV boss and now will be drawing up a list of targets ahead of the window.
One man should be right at the summit of that list.
Liverpool should try to sign Raphinha
Raphinha has been a winger long linked with Liverpool, dating back to his days at Leeds United.
Klopp reportedly wanted to sign him during the summer of 2022 but ultimately he made the move to LaLiga giants Barcelona, who outlaid £55m on his signature.
Since joining the Catalan club, Raphinha has racked up 87 appearances, netting 20 goals whilst laying on 25 assists.
The 27-year-old has really found his feet of late and Barcelona have slapped a £78m price tag on the ‘unplayable’ wide player.
If Liverpool can lower that valuation, they should make him a priority signing, as his underlying data is very impressive.
Raphinha statistics
As per FBref, Raphinha ranks in the top four per cent for expected assisted goals compared to his positional peers across Europe, evincing his terrific playmaking ability.
The 22-cap Brazil international can operate off both flanks, so whilst he is favoured off the right, he wouldn’t be directly in competition with Mohamed Salah.
Raphinha also sits in the top 12 per cent for shot-creating actions, further amplifying his creativity.
His potential arrival would provide Liverpool with a new profile in their attacking ranks and he’d be the ideal Salah replacement if he does leave next year.