Liverpool linked with Raphinha as potential Mohamed Salah successor

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha as the Reds step up their search for Mohamed Salah's successor at Anfield, according to reports.

Liverpool's Egyptian winger has been in typically scintillating form this season, netting 12 goals and providing four assists for the Reds, but has been rumoured with an Anfield exit following significant interest from Saudi Arabia.

Al Ittihad were desperate to make a big-money move for Salah during the last transfer window and, while the 31-year-old is expected to stay put in January, questions over his future are bound to emerge next summer.

As a result of said transfer interest and Salah's advancing age, Liverpool are believed to be eyeing up a potential heir to the No. 11's throne.

There have been links with Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane and PSV Eindhoven's young forward Johan Bakayoko, but former Leeds United attacker Raphinha is now among the club's targets according to Fichajes.

The Brazilian arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for £55m and enjoyed a great debut season in Catalonia. The 26-year-old netted ten goals and delivered 12 assists for La Blaugrana in his first campaign, but has been more of a bit-part player for the La Liga side this term.

Reportedly, Liverpool have been closely monitoring his situation at Barcelona, perhaps looking to take advantage of any uncertainty or discontent.

The Reds were linked with Raphinha before he made the move to Barcelona in 2022, but a deal for the exciting left-footed winger never materialised.

Barcelona would see the chance to offload Raphinha as an opportunity to recoup some of the transfer fee spent on the Brazilian amid their worrying financial situation, perhaps opening the door for a cut-price move in the future.

However, Klopp may be looking for a younger player to succeed Salah when the time eventually comes to replace the Liverpool icon, and a move for the former Leeds man looks unlikely in spite of his obvious talent.