Liverpool and Manchester United look set to battle it out for one of the upcoming stars in the world of football. Yet another player who is being linked with the Premier League clubs from Portugal, Rafa Silva is a midfielder who could be the answer to the attacking woes that both sides have faced this season.
The 23-year-old has been one of the best Braga players this season and it seems he is ready to make the big move outside Portugal. Silva can play on either side of the attack as a winger, but his best position seems to be in central midfield. Rafa is one of those players who did not come through the academies of one of the top clubs in Portugal and was signed by second division side Feirense in 2011.
His great performances for the club got him a bigger move to Braga and he has not looked back ever since. The 23-year-old, who has quick feet, was also voted as Young Player of the month a number of times in the 2014/15 season and seems to be going from strength to strength.
It could be high time for him to make a move to one of the big clubs and the one relationship which could work is that of Jorge Mendes. The super-agent, as he is known, is also close to Jose Mourinho and with the former Chelsea manager seemingly on his way to Old Trafford and his move to Old Trafford could open the door for the talented Braga midfielder to join the club as well.
Silva for all his attacking flair can also play in the deeper positions in midfield, which is an added bonus for any side and that kind of versatility would be crucial to his chances of making it into the first team of either Liverpool or Manchester United.
Silva’s scoring record also keeps on improving as each season goes by, he might not be playing for one of the biggest clubs in Portugal, but scoring in double digits this season seems to have caught the eye of many scouts looking to upgrade their sides.
The Portuguese could be a great squad player for either side and with him growing in stature as each season progresses; it wouldn’t be a surprise if he does break into the starting XI for either Liverpool or Manchester United. The problem with the player is that he might be a big gamble to take, Liverpool have been rumoured to have put in a 16 million pound bid and that could be enough to bring the midfield to Anfield.