Paul Robinson issues ‘make no mistake’ verdict on Raphinha signing for Liverpool after twist
Leeds United winger Raphinha would “have to step up another level” to fill the void potentially left by Sadio Mane at Liverpool, according to Paul Robinson.
The ex-Leeds and England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Raphinha, 25, has the ability to replace Mane, 30, but not the consistency.
Mane’s contract at Anfield expires in just over 12 months.
Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign the Senegal international this summer.
According to the Mirror (4 June), Liverpool are interested in signing Raphinha and could offer Takumi Minamino as part of a potential deal.
Robinson suggested Raphinha could enjoy similar success to Luis Diaz on Merseyside.
“Raphinha would have to step up another level to fill the void left by a Mane or Salah,” he told Football Insider.
“He is a top-class player but he has been too inconsistent at Leeds. I think he would have to really turn it on week in, week out to be at Liverpool’s level.
“Make no mistake about it, he is good enough. He has the ability. It is just about consistency. At Liverpool you need to perform every week.
“In a different environment under a different manager he could do it.
“When you look at the way Luis Diaz has settled into that side, you would hope Raphinha could do follow suit. It would be interesting to see if he would enjoy similar success if they were to sign him.”
In other news, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been tipped to quit Liverpool for a European club for less than ‘£10million’ after update.