Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could turn to Raphinha to strengthen in January as the rumours continue about the Brazilian joining the Anfield outfit. It’s a view that Mark Wakefield of the Liverpool Echo has endorsed.
When you consider that Klopp is set to lose Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita to the Africa Cup of Nations, the move makes sense.
The likes of Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino will be left to fill the attacking vacancies, so reinforcements in January could be sensible – especially in the attacking areas with Liverpool appearing to be left short up top.
Will Raphinha end up at Liverpool?Yes
No
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Talking to the Blood Red Podcast, Liverpool Echo journalist Wakefield looked at the impact Raphinha could have at Anfield, saying: “I like Raphinha at Leeds, I think he’s a good player.
“I’ve watched him a few times and he certainly impresses me, he certainly fits the bill of what this Liverpool team want to do with pace on the counter-attack and pace in attack and pressing as well, which they like to do at Leeds as well, so he certainly ticks the boxes.
“But these players come at a premium in the summer, let alone in January. Unless something absolutely crazy happens, I don’t think we’ll see any big names like that walking through the door, but I’d love to be shocked, I’d love to be proven wrong. Personally, I can’t see it happening.”
TIF Thoughts on Raphinha to Liverpool…
It’s hard to argue with Wakefield’s assessment, Raphinha looks a perfect fit for Klopp’s Liverpool having been previously linked with the winger. Although, you’d think a deal is unlikely to happen in January, especially now it’s reported that he’ll have to fight off competition from Bayern Munich for his signature.
We’ve seen Klopp’s reluctance to do business in January with the inflated prices you normally find as other clubs are often hesitant to sell their key players midway through the campaign.
Also, Liverpool still have four attackers to call upon as mentioned earlier, so for the short spell they’ll be without the African stars, they will likely be trusted to hold the fort – but without additions, it may require a change of system as they navigate their way through the month without the likes of Salah and Mane.
In other news: Claim emerges as Joe Gomez linked with exit