Leeds United's Brazilian midfielder Raphinha Dias Belloli reacts to their defeat on the pitch after during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on January 22, 2022. - Newcastle won the game 1-0. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Raphinha would, according to analytical research, be most suited to Juventus should the Brazilian aim to depart Elland Road in the summer.
This comes from Mark Carey at The Athletic, with the publication noting that both Manchester City and Liverpool would be potentially ill-advised moves based on the data simulation in question, which takes into account aspects like tactical compatibility.
It’s a somewhat surprising finding given that the Reds have been strongly linked with a move for the 25-year-old.
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The acquisition of Luis Diaz, however, may mean that we have no intention of further bolstering the forward line given that we now have the quality of the Colombian added on top of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino and Diogo Jota.
As far as depth is concerned, our attacking options are far from limited – and that’s without considering the availability of the likes of Taki Minamino and Kaide Gordon (not to mention Harvey Elliott who is also capable of playing up top).
A long adaption period, nonetheless, would hardly stop us if the recruitment team felt the player could contribute in the long-run, though we’d argue a midfield option will be the priority as far as our summer business is concerned.
#Ep32 of The Red Nets Podcast: Portuguese football expert’s exciting Diaz analysis, rating our transfer window… and more!
