Speculation surrounding the future of Leeds United winger Raphinha has already intensified following the conclusion of the Premier League season. Raphinha scored a penalty on the final day as he helped the Whites narrowly avoid the drop with a 2-1 win over Brentford.
With Leeds’ place in the top-flight confirmed for another season, the £25 million release clause that was in his contract upon relegation will not become active. That will allow Leeds to receive a fee that is much more representative of the ability he has shown since his £17 million move from Rennes in the summer of 2020.
But that has not deterred Barcelona from ending their interest in Raphinha, with reports claiming they are set to make a formal offer in the coming days, despite their financial issues. After helping keep Leeds in the Premier League, it is now thought to be the Brazilian’s priority to make the switch to the Camp Nou – with his agent Deco, the South American scout for Barcelona – already reportedly having agreed personal terms.
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Raphinha has rarely spoken about his future during his time at Leeds and has never publicly expressed his desire to leave the club. In fact, the only time he has ever been questioned on it was back in February, when rumours of a new contract at Elland Road had started to surface.
The 25-year-old, though, refused to discuss the matter in great detail and insisted he leaves those things to Deco and his Dad. He said: “I’ve got a contract until 2024, my head is totally here and focused on Leeds. As for contractual matters, I leave them to my agent and my dad.
“I just focus on playing my football and making the Leeds fans happy, scoring goals, providing assists, and getting victories for the team. Contractual matters are for my agent, my focus is on making people happy with my football and doing as best as I can for Leeds.”
