According to several reports, Barcelona are teeing up a move for Leeds winger Raphinha. His agent, Deco, has a strong relationship with the Blaugranas. He played for the club between 2004 and 2008. Raphinha is linked with several interested clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. However, according to Sport, the 25-year-old has his heart set on a move to Camp Nou this summer. He has asked Deco to do everything possible to seal the move. Raphinha has been the standout performer for Leeds United since joining from Stade Rennais in October 2020. His numbers alone do not do justice to his impact. The 25-year-old has been one of the biggest game-changers in the Premier League in the last couple of years.
Since his move to Leeds, the Brazilian has registered 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 57 appearances. Jesse Marsch’s side are currently deep in the relegation battle. They sit seven points above the drop-zone with eight games remaining this season, and have played at least a game more than clubs below them. Raphinha has helped his team out of the relegation battle notching up an impressive nine goals and three assists in 27 appearances. Regardless of if Leeds manages to stay in the premier league beyond this season, it will be hard to keep hold of their star winger.
The former Sporting CP man is yet to agree to a contract extension with the premier league side despite having two years left on his current contract. Joan Laporta views the Brazilian as a replacement for Ousmane Dembele, who, like Raphinha, is yet to sign on the dotted line with his contract coming to an end this summer. Barcelona’s financial status received a significant boost owing to their new sponsorship deal with Spotify. However, they are unlikely to part ways with the 50 million euros Leeds hopes to get. Sport claims Barcelona have made a 35 million euros bid for the exciting attacker. Leeds are yet to respond but will be wary of the clause in his contract allowing him to leave for 25 million euros should they not survive the relegation battle.
Barcelona are thriving with Xavi at the helm and continues life without Lionel Messi looking to build for the future. Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie has already agreed to join Barca on a free transfer this summer from AC Milan. The Blaugrana are also attempting to poach Andreas Christensen from Chelsea’s clutch, and Ralphinha is the new name on their shopping list.
