The transfer window isn’t too far away, and we’re already hearing stories about potential moves within the Premier League.
One player who looks almost certain to be on the move this summer is Leeds United’s Raphinha.
The winger is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona, but, in our view, Liverpool may quickly fall behind in the race to sign the Brazilian because of one man.
Indeed, Raphinha’s agent is Deco, and when you look at the teams interested in his client, it’s easy to see why Liverpool may be at a disadvantage.
Deco has obvious ties to both Chelsea and Barcelona having played for both clubs, and given his affection for both of those teams, it wouldn’t be surprising if he pushed Raphinha towards Camp Nou or Stamford Bridge rather than Anfield.
From a footballing standpoint, Liverpool may well be the best move for Raphinha. He’d suit Jurgen Klopp’s style of play, and he’d help the Reds compete for trophies, but given his agent’s links to Chelsea and Barca, he may be swayed away from Merseyside.
Agents have an untold influence on the transfer window these days, and if Deco advises the winger to head to London or Catalonia rather than Merseyside he may well listen.
Deco may have scored against Liverpool in the Champions League in 2007, but driving Raphinha away from Anfield may be the most damaging thing the Portuguese agent ever does for Liverpool.
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