Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Leeds star Raphinha responds to Man Utd and Liverpool transfer speculation

Raphinha's performances for Leeds United this season have attracted plenty of attention from clubs higher up the Premier League table, and the Brazilian has responded amid increased speculation over his future.

The former Rennes man has 14 goals and 11 assists in 49 league games for Marcelo Bielsa's side and is the Whites' top scorer this season with eight - one third of the team's overall total.

West Ham United made a push to sign the 25-year-old in January, while the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned in connection with a potential move further down the line.

However, despite his current Leeds deal expiring in 2024, Raphinha is paying little attention to the talk around his future.

Can you see Raphinha playing Champions League football next season? Have your say in the comments section

Raphinha has gone from strength to strength for Leeds this season (Action Images via Reuters)

In addition to his achievements at club level, Raphinha has established himself with the Brazil national side since moving to Elland Road.

He has scored three times for his country since making his debut in 2021, and netted the opener in the recent World Cup qualifying victory over Paraguay.

With the World Cup in Qatar just a few months away, it appears he has no plans to move any time soon.

"I’ve got a contract until 2024, my head is totally here and focused on Leeds," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"As for contractual matters, I leave them for my agent and my dad. I just focus on my football, making Leeds fans happy, scoring goals, providing assists and getting victories for the team."

"The 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."

Raphinha scored for Brazil in the last international break (AFP via Getty Images)

Raphinha is represented by former Chelsea and Portugal midfielder Deco, who became an agent after retiring from the game.

Deco's D20 Sports agency has a number of other Brazilian clients and Burkina Faso star Edmond Tapsoba, while Deco himself also played a part in Fabinho's move to Liverpool in 2018.

“Raphinha is happy at Leeds, and for sure the time will come to take the biggest leap in his career, to take a step forward,” the agent said in 2021.

“Leeds are aware. They will want to make an important sale, and Raphinha will end up growing in his career.

“Raphinha has a market and Leeds have high expectations, it was never a project in a hurry.

“He has ambitions to play at a higher level despite Leeds being in the Premier League. Things will happen naturally.”

While West Ham's approach was knocked back in January, it would not be a surprise to see clubs come back in for Raphinha over the summer.

In addition to the Premier League clubs mentioned, there have also been reports of Bayern Munich keeping an eye on the Leeds man.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.