Leeds United supporters believe that the initial reported first bid for Raphinha from Barcelona is too low and are hoping to receive a lot more than that fee if he is to be sold this summer. According to reports relayed by SportsWitness, the La Liga side have submitted a £35million bid for the winger, who now see him as their prime target.
It is also said that the two parties have agreed in principal a salary agreement that would result in the player moving to the Nou Camp on a five-year deal. Valued by the club at closer to £70m, the 25-year-old has found the net nine times in 28 appearances so far this season whilst also contributing three assists.
In what is perhaps a sneak preview of what to expect this summer, these initial reports have been followed up by a missive from Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, who claims that Barca have been working on a deal for Raphinha 'for weeks'. He also says the Brazilian would welcome to move to Catalonia but no talks have been held between the clubs. yet.
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With Leeds' immediate focus to remain in the Premier League this season, there has been little further talk at present of the winger imminently extending his stay at Elland Road. Raphinha did, however, miss his side's dramatic 3-2 win over Wolves last week, with Jesse Marsch's team coming back from 2-0 to snatch all three points away at Molineux after testing positive for Covid-19, which has also kept him from joining up with the Brazil squad.
Leeds return to action on Saturday, April 2 at home to Southampton. In the meantime, Raphinha continues to be linked with a move away and supporters have had their say on the rumour. Here is what they had to say.
@gorikain_: Rapha leaving for barca? That’s great . Let’s target the more impressive Antony as replacement. A move away from Dutch league would do wonders for the latter #lufc
@Irish_Leeds: Raph will go to Barca especially with the Deco and Xavi connection. I'd personally be holding out until the World Cup if we stay up. Just hope we get the fee we deserve #lufc
@LeeScott321: Don’t really think this is a shock from the moment we saw him we knew he would go on to play for one of “big clubs” we just need to make sure we stay up and get a decent amount and reinvest that improving the team as a whole #lufc
@EndreManMusic: Barcelona need to AT LEAST DOUBLE that offer. #Lufc
@matt10tommo: Should we stay up we shouldn’t be bullied into selling Raphinha for anything less than £60m Still think that’s on the cheap side given some of the transfers lately #lufc
@Keirangraham19: Was always going to happen imo, I only want players at the club who want to play for us and are proud to represent Leeds. It’s important we get a good fee, if we sell for less than £65m after they spent almost £150m on Coutinho then I’m baffled. Important summer ahead
@NiallBranton: If Raph leaves for Barca who can blame him… £60M thank you very much. #LUFC
@AshVercammen: Inevitable that Raphinha was going to attract interest this summer. I can see him going, but needs to be north of £50m. #lufc
@LewisDeighton17: If we sell Raph for any less than £60m, then it’ll only be the second worst thing our board has done this year. #LUFC
@RWBielsa: Never the less, will be a sad day when he (inevitably) goes. Such a talented player, a pleasure to have seen him and to see him playing for Leeds for the remainder of the season. #lufc
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