Liverpool and Rafinha, a transfer rumour the Spanish media love and one which will continue to pop up until the player leaves Barcelona.
And that could be soon. Mundo Deportivo have Rafinha and several other Barcelona players on their Saturday front page, making it clear they’re very much for sale.
It had been thought Rafinha would have to wait until the summer transfer window for a move, having suffered another injury setback, but he returned to training last week and is keen to have half a chance to fight his way into Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Liverpool were linked with Rafinha throughout the summer. In June it was reported in Spain the club had ‘asked’ about the signing. Then, in quite specific claims at the end of July, Mundo Deportivo stated that Jurgen Klopp had asked Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards to get the deal done.
In their Saturday edition, Mundo Deportivo say Rafinha is ‘seduced’ by the idea of moving to England, Italy or Germany in the January window. As for the asking price, Barcelona would be pleased with €15-20m according to the Catalan newspaper, half of what it was claimed Liverpool were ready to pay.
Rafinha, an attacking midfielder, is still only 24 years of age. If he can prove his fitness before January then a €15m swoop doesn’t sound like the worst gamble for Liverpool.
