Liverpool were interested in signing Leeds United winger Raphinha during the summer transfer window, according to his agent Deco.
The Brazilian who is represented by former Barcelona and Portugal legend Deco emerged on the radar of the Reds after an impressive debut season at Elland Road.
Leeds signed Raphinha for £17 million ($23m) from Rennes in October 2020 and he quickly proved to be a shrewd piece of business, as he nailed down a regular spot in Marcelo Bielsa’s starting XI.
He was instrumental in Leeds ninth-place Premier League finish last season, leading to a host of top clubs looking for his services.
Among the clubs to approach the Leeds star in the summer was Liverpool.
According to his agent Deco, Jurgen Klopp‘s side approached Leeds last summer, hoping to take Raphinha to Anfield.
Speaking to Globo Esporte as reported by Goal, Deco said;
“Raphinha has become an important player in the Premier League, the club knows he has grown and things will happen naturally,” Deco said.
“He’s young, he has many challenges ahead, there are certainly several clubs that like him, and Liverpool do like him. There were approaches, but nothing official.
“Leeds wanted to keep him for another season.”
Although the Brazilian’s contract at Elland Road runs until 2024, Leeds United knows that if he continues on his current trajectory, it wouldn’t be long before one of the bigger teams in England will come knocking for his services.
Even his agent Deco admits Leeds will be open to selling if they receive a lucrative offer at some point in the future.
“Raphinha is happy at Leeds and for sure the time will come to take the biggest leap in her career, to take a step forward,” Deco added.
“He has three more years of contract, but it is not the contract that defines the length of stay or prevents transfer.
“Leeds is aware, they will want to make an important sale, and Raphinha will end up growing in his career.”
Raphinha has begun the season well for Leeds this season, starting in all seven of their Premier League games and scoring three goals.
He has also earned a place in Brazil‘s national team, and recorded two assists during their 3-1 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela last week.
