Liverpool news: Pundit issues 'next level' claim after Mohamed Salah replacement update from Romano
Liverpool should think twice before replacing Mohamed Salah with Leeds United's Raphinha, according to Paul Robinson.
The ex-Leeds and England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old Brazilian would be "a downgrade" on Salah, 29.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast (15 March), Fabrizio Romano revealed Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona are interested in signing Raphinha.
It is said that the Reds will make a decision on whether to make a concrete move for the winger "in the coming weeks and months."
Raphinha's contract at Elland Road runs until the summer of 2024.
When asked by Football Insider's Dylan Childs if a decision on Raphinha likely hinges on the future of Salah, Robinson said:
"Raphinha is a top-class player but he's not on the level of Salah. He doesn't do it consistently enough for me. From Liverpool's point of view, I would not be happy if they replaced Mohamed Salah with Raphinha.
"If you can add Raphinha to your squad then yes, do it. He's a top player who will go onto the next level at a club like Liverpool. I think he'd suit the way they play, much like [Luis] Diaz.
"But Raphinha to replace Salah? That would not be a swap I would be happy with. It's a downgrade."
Salah's current contract expires at the end of June next year.
Talks over an extension have so far proved troublesome.