Liverpool take first step towards deal for Ballon d'Or contender

Liverpool have been given hope over a deal for a Ballon d'Or contender. The Reds might be able to make a deal happen.

Liverpool hope to rebuild their attack in 2025, improving on what's been a real problem this season. The Reds certainly have talented forwards in this squad but consistent quality? Only Mo Salah has provided that.

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And so the plan this year is to give Arne Slot a set of forwards that suit his playing style. Anfield Watch revealed earlier this year that an overhaul is on the way - now we're not far off it.

Exactly who could come and go isn't clear, though. Mo Salah was a potential exit for a long time, of course, though we finally saw that one settle this month.

But all of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Federico Chiesa are linked with exits. All would need replacing, too, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike particularly high-profile targets.

It appears, though, that there's another high-profile target potentially on that shortlist. And the Reds have been given hope.

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Raphinha and Liverpool

The Boot Room claims that Liverpool are in a group of clubs to have received positive feedback on Raphinha. They've received hints from intermediaries that a deal is possible, with Barcelona in a difficult position this summer.

The Brazilian's contract expires in 2027 and there will be talks this summer. If Raphinha doesn't agree to new terms, though, Barcelona would want to sell while he still has a couple of years left on his deal.

The selling price would be around £80m, apparently, which is unlikely to deter Premier League clubs from making offers. Especially as Liverpool's interest is long-standing.

They looked into a deal for Raphinha back when he was at Leeds United, before the move to Barcelona. It ultimately didn't materialise but here's a potential opportunity to snap him up once again.

Though, it should be said that the report suggests Raphinha isn't particularly open to a move. He wants to remain in Barcelona, even with massive interest in Saudi Arabia.

This one is a ways off, then, and unlikely to happen. There is a slim chance, however, if things go a certain way this summer.

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For now, though, the Ballon d'Or contender will look to extend his stay in Catalonia. If that fails, perhaps Liverpool can make something happen.