Raphinha’s performances for Leeds United won him his first international caps for Brazil, and his international teammate Fabinho has praised him. Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has lauded Raphinha’s effect in the Premier League and he predicted that the Leeds United winger would join Liverpool earlier this year.
Since joining for a reported £17 million (€20 million) in a football transfer from Rennes in October 2020 Raphinha has been a standout for Leeds and was just awarded his first cap for Brazil. The 24-year-old boosted his reputation by scoring two goals and winning a penalty in a 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela.
He also came in as a second-half replacement in Brazil’s 0-0 draw with Colombia and is expected to play against Uruguay on Thursday. Fabinho has been particularly impressed by what he has seen from his international team-mate at club level, having played the entire 90 minutes in both of the previous meetings.
“Since he arrived in the Premier League, has been performing and standing out very well at Leeds,” Fabinho told O’Globo. “Even in the summer transfer market, there was some talk that he could go to Liverpool. I even expected that to happen, but he stayed at Leeds.”
Raphinha’s agent, Deco, has confirmed that during the recent transfer window Liverpool expressed interest in the winger but did not make a formal offer. “He’s an important player,” Deco told Brazilian outlet O Globo. “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.” Liverpool showed interest in Raphinha after a successful Premier League debut season in which he scored six goals and assisted on nine others.
