Leeds United have been given a huge boost in their quest to keep ahold of their star man, Brazilian forward Raphinha as it looks like Barcelona could face problems signing the player, according to journalist Conor McGilligan.
Throughout Leeds’s poor season which saw them narrowly avoid relegation, the Brazilian forward was a shining light for them and without his contributions both going forward and back, it is very possible they would have gone down comfortably.
As a result of his great season at Elland Road, he has garnered a lot of interest in the transfer market from top clubs including Barcelona, Manchester United, and Premier League winners Manchester City. By far the most consistent link has been with the former club but much to the delight of Leeds fans, it seems as if the possible transfer has hit a stumbling block as reported by McGilligan.
Indeed, Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) have reported that despite the winger previously being said to have already agreed personal terms with the LaLiga side, Barca could now walk away from a deal for the Brazil international.
On his One Leeds fan channel on YouTube, he said, “It looks like he’s going nowhere according to several reports saying that essentially Barcelona needs to sell to buy. Ousmane Dembele is the problem, his wages, we don’t really know what’s going on but allegedly Raphinha’s transfer to Barcelona might be in jeopardy”. (14:05)
Will Raphinha stay at Leeds?YesNo |
TIF Thoughts on Raphinha’s future…
There is no question that Raphinha has been the Yorkshire team’s standout player of the season as key men Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips spent a lot of the season on the sidelines through injuries.
After the season where he managed to bag 11 goals and three assists while averaging 2.5 shots, 1.9 key passes, 1.8 dribbles, 1.6 long balls, 1.5 tackles, and 0.8 interceptions he surely deserves a step up in his club and has shown himself to be capable to play in the top competitions like the Europa League and even the Champions League. (Whoscored)
Despite the bump in the road of a move to Barcelona I still think Leeds will be lucky to keep hold of the Brazilian and should do everything they can to keep him with a season of uncertainty coming up in 22/23.