Raheem Sterling has an uncertain future at Manchester City after falling down the pecking order this season, so Pep Guardiola might need to identify a potential replacement should he be moved on in the summer.
Gianluigi Longari of Sport Italia, Gazzetta Dello Sport and Tutto Mercato Web recently said on Twitter that City have entered the race for Raphinha and will battle Manchester United and Liverpool for his signature, so might the Leeds United wide-man fill Sterling’s shoes in the future?
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Raphinha joined Leeds from Stade Rennais last October and has gone on to make 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals with six assists. The 24-old has netted more in the Premier League than Kevin De Bruyne and has set up more goals than Phil Foden this season, so he might be a good addition.
Longari noted at the end of April that Leeds have no desire to sell Raphinha despite the interest, so it remains to be seen if he’ll be lured away from Elland Road. The uncapped Brazilian has three more years left on his contract, so the Whites are under no obligation to cash in early.
Nevertheless, Raphinha should be on City’s shortlist if Sterling no longer has a future at the Etihad.