Pundit Jermaine Beckford has claimed that Brazilian winger Raphinha is too good for Leeds United and will leave at the end of the season.
Raphinha has been one of the standout performers for Leeds this season, he is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League with 10 goals in 30 games. He signed for the Whites from Stade Rennais in 2020 for £16.74 million and his current contract is not set to expire until 2024.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from Leeds in January, with Bayern Munich showing interest in his signature, but the main club concerned now are Barcelona, who are keen to bring him to the Camp Nou in the summer.
With the speculation of a move away from Elland Road for Raphinha, Jermaine Beckford spoke on Premier League Productions via Mot Leeds News and claimed that he can’t see the Brazilian staying at the club in the summer.
“If I’m being honest, I don’t see him staying. He’s that good. He’s been carrying this Leeds side,” Beckford said.
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Raphinha has been valued at £40.5 million by Transfermarkt, and he has been at the forefront in terms of stats for the Whites this season. In the Premier League, he has the third-highest average player rating (6.98), the most goal contributions (13) and he has created the most big chances (9), as per Sofascore.
If Leeds do go on to get relegated to the Championship then it would be almost certain that the Brazilian would leave, so Marsch must keep them in the top flight if they want to keep them at the club.
However if another club with Champions League status comes in with an official bid for him, it may be hard for him to say no and stay at Elland Road, especially as he has a Champions League dream.