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Kieran King

Five Raphinha alternatives Leeds United could target this summer

Raphinha has been linked with a move away from Leeds United this summer. The 25-year-old has attracted interest from a number of European clubs after impressing for the Whites since his move from Rennes in October 2020.

The Brazilian international has scored 15 goals and grabbed 13 assists in 60 appearances for Leeds. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are all said to be keen in a move at the end of the season.

He is still their top scorer this term with nine and has stepped in the absence of Patrick Bamford, who has missed the majority of the season through injury. Raphinha netted the winning goal against Crystal Palace back in November and also found the back of the net against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

READ MORE: Leeds United on the brink without kicking another ball after fateful relegation message

If Raphinha is to leave the Whites in the summer, there is no doubt Jesse Marsch will want to replace him and sign another right-sided attacker. So, with that mind, Leeds Live have taken a look at five alternatives Leeds could target at the end of the campaign.

Adnan Januzaj - Real Sociedad

The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in the Real Sociedad team all season as they continue to push for European qualification. He featured in their opening 18 La Liga games before suffering an injury in mid-February, which has seen him play just two of their next seven matches.

After a difficult start to his senior career at Manchester United and Sunderland, Adnan Januzaj seems to be enjoying and playing his best football and showing the levels he was once at. Although he has scored just twice this term, it is his link up and creative play that has been most impressive.

Florian Wirtz - Bayer Leverkusen

A dynamic attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz is one of the most talented youngsters in Germany right now and is having an incredible breakout season in the Bundesliga. The 18-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided 14 assists in 31 matches this term - an impeccable record for someone of his age.

He's quick, got good feet and has an eye for goal too, which may be something that solves Leeds' attacking issues if Raphinha leaves in the summer. Although Wirtz's preferred position is in the centre of an attacking three, he can also play on the left or on the right, demonstrating his versatility.

Florian Wirtz. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer/GES-Sportfot/Getty Images)

Gio Reyna - Borussia Dortmund

Another highly-rated teenager, Gio Reyna broke through on to the Bundesliga scene last season, scoring four goals and seven assists in 32 matches. However, the American international has struggled with a muscle injury and fitness this season, which has limited him to just nine appearances.

But Reyna still showcased what he is capable of, grabbing the match-winning assist in Dortmund's 1-0 win over Mainz last month. Having played in every position across the front-line, Reyna has the capabilities to shine in any league around the world.

Leandro Trossard - Brighton & Hove Albion

It has been a mixed season for both Brighton and Leandro Trossard. The Belgium international has directly contributed to just five goals in 28 Premier League games for the Seagulls this term - four fewer than at this stage last campaign. However, Trossard is playing in a goal-shy Brighton side who have struggled to find the back of the net all season and could benefit from a move elsewhere.

Cucho Hernandez - Watford

With Watford set to be relegated to the Championship, a number of their star men could seek a move elsewhere, including Cucho Hernandez who has impressed in recent weeks. The Colombia international has netted three goals and contributed with one assist in his last four games - more than any of his team-mates in that time.

He has also managed to break into a front-three that were firing in all cylinders at the start of the season - with Joshua King now routed to the bench. A talented forward, Cucho can play off the left or the right and is able to cut in on both sides, similarly to Raphinha.

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