Urgent pushes to get out of Leeds United may be at the top of Raphinha’s agenda, but he has returned to Thorp Arch and may yet make the 10,200-mile trip to Australia. Jesse Marsch has had open conversations with the Brazilian and admits the winger has ‘hopes and dreams’ of being further afield.
The 25-year-old is at the centre of the big Elland Road transfer saga of the summer. He wants to move to Barcelona, the Nou Camp giants don’t yet have the money, while Chelsea have an agreeable offer on the table.
Raphinha played for his nation after the end of the domestic campaign and was therefore granted a delayed pre-season return. He returned three days later than the rest of the second tranche of players and was therefore not in contention for the Blackpool win last night.
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Speaking to domestic media for the first time since the Brentford win on the final day of last season, Marsch was quizzed on Raphinha’s future. The American admitted there could still be progress with a move away in the 60 hours between full-time and departing for Australia
“I don’t know [if he will be coming to Australia],” he said. “We just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days.
“There’s urgency from his end to come up with a solution and then we have to, in the next couple of days, see where things stand and then make that decision.”
In stark contrast to some footballers, who effectively go on strike in an effort to force a transfer away, Raphinha has showed an exemplary attitude in training, according to Marsch. The winger reported to Thorp Arch on Thursday and will have two days with the squad before the flights to Australia.
“Raphinha,” said Marsch. “Hasn’t been an easy time for him this summer. Things have come and gone and there’s been a lot of little discussions.
“Right now he’s our player. He showed up today (Thursday) and trained with everybody. He had such a good attitude.
“We had a very open and honest conversation about while he’s here he’s part of us and then we’ll see what happens. It’s still a long way to go in the transfer window.
“I know he has hopes and dreams and we’ll see how everything goes, but his attitude in being back with the team [has been great]. That’s what I said to him.
“I know he loves this team. I know he loves this club and I know he loves being here, but we’ll see how things progress day by day.”
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