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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Connor Dunn

Liverpool told to sign Raphinha but transfer warning given

Steve McManaman believes Liverpool "need a player" like Raphinha in order to change the way they play.

The former Reds midfielder insisted the Leeds United star, who has been linked with a move to Anfield and Manchester United over the last few months, could help the dynamic of Jurgen Klopp's side.

The defending Premier League champions have been criticised at times this season for being too one dimensional, with 24-year-old talent Raphinha able to play on both wings of the attack.

He has played in every top flight match under Marcelo Bielsa this season after arriving at the club in October - apart from one the Brazilian missed through an ankle injury - and has scored five while also assisting five in 22 games.

"These types of players you can see they can play in the Premier League," McManaman said.

"He’s only just entered the Premier League so the fact that he’s hit the ground running is a big plus. He has a lot of skill and a lot of talent.

"I don’t want to disrespect Leeds but of course he could play for a big six club. He could easily fit in a team like that.

"I just think Liverpool need a player who can change the way they play a bit."

McManaman warned though that Raphinha would likely come with a big price tag this summer.

He told HorseRacing.net : "They have Salah, Mane, Firmino, or Jota and the width comes from the left-back or the right-back.

"I sometimes think that’s a bit unfair, as you can’t expect the left-back or the right-back to get up and down the pitch so many times.

"So I think someone like Raphinha who can play a bit wide and is someone a bit different to what they’ve got, I think that’s the most important.

"They need to be able to change their style and how they play and a Raphinha could easily fit into that mould. It’s something that Liverpool have to have a really good think about, the transfer committee really have to put their heads together.

"But if he leaves, it’ll be for a hell of a lot of money."

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