According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool lead the race to sign Barcelona star Rafinha, although they have yet to make a formal bid for the 24-year-old.
The Spanish newspaper have claimed that Liverpool, Juventus and Arsenal are all tracking the Brazilian but the Merseyside club lead the race after guaranteeing first team football next season.
A product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Rafinha was handed a long-term contract with the Catalan club in 2015, which included a £65million buyout clause.
However, with Luis Enrique’s future in doubt and a number of player departures likely, Rafinha could be available at a reduced price.
How good has Rafinha been this season?
After a difficult 2015-16, which saw the Brazlian side-lined with injury for much of the season, Rafinha has been impressive this campaign.
The 24-year-old has featured 26 times in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 7 goals in the process. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Rafinha has a fantastic pass completion percentage (92.6%) and, like all midfielders at the Nou Camp, has the ability to control the pace of the game.
Would Rafinha be a good fit for Liverpool?
In short – absolutely. The midfielder has the ability to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s fast-paced, attacking style of play and could form deadly links with compatriots Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho.
Despite Rafinha’s fairly diminutive stature, he has good strength and doesn’t panic in crowded areas of the field. This will come in handy in the incessant battle of the Premier League. Adapt quickly and the Anfield crowd could witness the birth of a new legend in Rafinha next season.
