Raphinha spent just two seasons playing in the Premier League but attracted reported interest from several clubs, including Liverpool, before signing for Barcelona
Jermaine Pennant believes Raphinha could replace Mohamed Salah if the forward leaves Liverpool this summer. When the Brazil international left Leeds United for Barcelona two years ago, the Reds were reportedly interested in his services.
Raphinha, 27, has now made over 100 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 30 goals. Ten of those have come since the start of this season, the same amount he had all last term and equal the tally from his debut campaign.
His goalscoring form carried over from his time in the Premier League, when Raphinha scored 17 times in 67 appearances. Pennant believes all signs point towards a potential return to the English top flight, as soon as this summer, if the Reds require a Salah replacement.
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“If Mohamed Salah does leave, I can see Raphinha returning to the Premier League in a Liverpool shirt to replace him,” the former Liverpool winger told Instant Casino. “He’s quick and fits that same style of play on the right-hand side and cutting in; he’s very tricky, and that’s what Liverpool have now with Luis Diaz and Salah.
“He’s got that eye for goal which we’ve seen from him at Barcelona, where he’s doing really well – scoring a hat-trick against Bayern Munich and playing a big part in their recent 4-0 The Classic win against Real Madrid.
“His experience at Leeds would make him a good fit at Liverpool – he’s comfortable in the Premier League, and he managed to make an impact and score goals there despite them struggling as a team. You’d imagine that a team like Liverpool would step him up a level with how attacking they are and how comfortable they are going forward.”
