Leeds United winger Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in recent months. The Brazilian is high on the club’s list of summer targets and as early as March, were discussing personal terms with his agent, Deco.
Raphinha played a key role in securing Leeds’ Premier League safety last weekend, as he netted a penalty on the way to a 2-1 win at Brentford. Should the Whites have been relegated, it would have made the deal far more comfortable for Barcelona to get over the line from a financial point of view.
But that was not the case and so this could be one of those deals that rambles throughout the entire summer. Ahead of the opening of the transfer window, Leeds Live brings you the story so far regarding the links.
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Leeds 'standing firm'
Leeds are standing firm in their stance that Barcelona’s current €25 million valuation of Raphinha is nowhere near the asking price. Raphinha had a release clause of this figure had Leeds been relegated but with Premier League safety now confirmed, they can hold out for a better deal.
According to Sport, the two clubs remain ‘far apart’ in their current positions, which could mean that a deal could drag out for a while yet..
Barcelona 'to make formal contact' as fee suggested
In the most recent update, Sky Sports News have claimed that Barcelona are ‘expected to make formal their interest’ in Raphinha. The report also claims that the player himself is interested in the move which won’t particularly come as a shock to Leeds supporters.
Figures were not discussed in this report, although Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida tweeted that a fee of €30million plus another €5million in bonuses is set to the formal offer - one which most Leeds fans would see as significantly short of the Brazilian's value.
Raphinha 'hands in transfer request'
Almost immediately as the curtain came down on the 2021/22 Premier League season, Spanish outlet SPORT claimed Raphinha handed in a transfer request in order to force through his move to Barcelona. The same report stated that a €25m release clause would have been activated in his contract had Leeds been relegated, a claim that has been widely questioned over the last few weeks.
Raphinha 'only open' to Barcelona switch
While Barcelona have been most heavily linked with Raphinha, other clubs are said to hold an interest in the wideman with West Ham, Liverpool and Newcastle among the teams mentioned. Although, according to Marca, he has his heart set on Barca and will not negotiate with any other sides while he waits for Xavi’s side to make an offer.
