How Sadio Mane's Liverpool future could impact Leeds United this summer transfer window - YEP 31/5/22
Liverpool could find themselves in the market for a speedy, versatile attacker this summer if Sadio Mane moves on from Anfield
By Joe Donnohue
Leeds United supporters' greatest fear this summer will be
losing Raphinha and struggling to replace the Brazilian international's
influence at Elland Road.
The Whites are braced for concrete interest and bids from
several clubs, with La Liga giants Barcelona supposedly at the front of the
queue for the 25-year-old's signature.
That is, if funds can be raised by the Catalan club to prise
Raphinha out of his Leeds contract which runs for another two seasons.
As United stayed up on the final day, the board are poised
to be a little sterner in negotiations, knowing they are capable of commanding
a significantly higher transfer fee as a Premier League outfit.
However, even if Barcelona cannot afford the World Cup
hopeful, it is entirely possible another elite side will move for Raphinha in
the next few months.
The right-sided attacker has been a revelation since
arriving on Premier League shores and instrumental in helping Leeds avoid the
drop this season.
As is often the case with well-endowed super-clubs, they are
able to poach star players from lesser sides, offering better terms and the
prospect of competing for honours.
Many Leeds supporters have resigned themselves to losing the
Brazilian this summer, but for now his destination remains unknown.
Defeated Champions League finalists Liverpool could be on
the lookout for a new attacker this summer, after news broke that Senegalese
forward Sadio Mane is seeking a new challenge.
The 30-year-old is reportedly of interest to Bayern Munich
and a transfer could be rubber-stamped if Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp can
identify a replacement.
The Reds already boast Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto
Firmino and January addition Luis Diaz in attack, but a tilt at Manchester
City's Premier League crown next season will require additional reinforcements.
Liverpool have been credited with a passing interest in
Raphinha previously, but may now pursue more aggressively Leeds' attacking
talisman.
For now, any approach remains conjectural but frankly a
distinct possibility if Mane does eventually move on.
