Leeds United could see rumours surrounding Raphinha’s future pick up once again now Marcelo Bielsa is no longer at the club.
That is according to football journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to GiveMeSport to discuss where the Brazilian ace’s future may lie after a big weekend for the Whites.
Will Raphinha leave in the summer?
Yes
No
He said: “I think, going forward, there is going to be a lot of speculation with regards to Raphinha’s future.”
Raphinha’s future at Leeds has been speculated about for a number of months now, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool linked with the 25-year-old.
Meanwhile, in the past week, European champions Chelsea have been linked with a move for the Brazilian.
And now that the manager who brought him to Yorkshire, Bielsa, has been sacked, O’Rourke believes there will be serious question marks as to whether Raphinha will be at Leeds next season.
But what would Raphinha’s departure potentially mean for the Yorkshire side looking ahead to next season?
Summer opportunities?
There is an awful lot relying on the remaining 12 games of the Premier League season for the Whites with their top-flight status hanging in the balance.
If Leeds were to go down, it could all but confirm the departure of the Raphinha over the summer judging by the high-profile interest in him, and we wonder whether that would see Bielsa’s successor, Jesse Marsch, put his trust in a youngster like Crysencio Summerville?
The Dutchman has been handed a number of opportunities in the Premier League this season under Bielsa, with 118 minutes of action across five appearances (via Transfermarkt).
Summerville has been in and out of the U23s side as a result of his involvement in the first team, however, he showed last season he has too much quality to be playing at the youth level.
The former Feyenoord star will turn 21 in the early stages of next season, so we do wonder whether he will be looking to establish himself in senior football next season having been offered a taste under Bielsa.
And with interest coming from abroad, Marsch may need to integrate the youngster into his plans or risk losing him over the summer.
James reverts back to winger?
As a result of Leeds’ issues up top because of Patrick Bamford’s injury issues, a potential departure for Raphinha could see Daniel James revert back to his natural wide position.
The Welshman has had some success in front of goal in recent weeks playing as the sole striker, with his tally for the league campaign standing at four goals and three assists (via Transfermarkt).
However, the possible departure of Raphinha would leave behind some big boots to fill after an impressive season for the Brazilian amid the transfer speculation.
But if Bamford is to make his return to full fitness, it could see James flourish for the Whites with the pressure on the Welshman in front of goal eased.
And with the England striker set to return soon, we could see Marsch experiment with his options and potentially give fans an idea of James’ role in the squad.
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