Sky Sports presenter Joe Thomlinson has been speaking on the Football Daily YouTube channel about how he expects Raphinha to leave Leeds United this summer.
Leeds kicked off their new era under Jesse Marsch with yet another defeat, however, they can count themselves rather unlucky to have not at least taken a point from the game with the Whites finishing the match with an expected goals (xG) value of 1.9, compared to Leicester City’s 0.5.
Will Leeds be relegated?
Yes!
No!
Raphinha is currently having a great season in front of goal with nine strikes and two assists in the Premier League, and that sort of form doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when he stands out so much in the Leeds side, which is proven by his 6.99 WhoScored match rating – the best out of anyone in the squad.
Therefore, Thomlinson believes that Raphinha will be leaving Elland Road this summer.
He said: “A number of these players are not going to be there next season. Raphinha is not going to still be at Leeds next season; I would be extremely surprised.”
TIF Thoughts on Leeds…
The Brazilian has been attracting a lot of interest in recent months, with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich credited with an interest in the winger, and with Marcelo Bielsa – the manager who brought him to the Premier League – gone, Raphinha could be questioning his own future.
Raphinha, while being linked with a move away, appears to be rejuvenated under Marsch, as against the Foxes, he posted an xG of 1.0, attempted the most dribbles, and outside of the back four, had the most touches in the Leeds squad (FBRef) – showing how willing and determined he was to get on the ball and create something, which is what Leeds need if they are to avoid the drop.
In other news: ‘You’ll see’ – Phil Hay hints at big tactical switch under Jesse Marsch at Leeds