Leeds United ace Raphinha is now in very advanced talks to secure a potential summer move to Barcelona amid the Whites’ relegation fears.
This is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has been speaking on the latest edition of his Here We Go podcast to discuss the Brazilian’s future.
Are you resigned to losing Raphinha now?
Yes
No
Leeds’ hopes of surviving will go down to the final day of the season where they face an away trip to in-form Brentford, and will do so with a number of injuries and suspensions.
Raphinha has netted 10 goals and provided three assists in the Premier League this season, but his efforts could fall short, with a real threat of heartbreak on the final day.
And to compile the misery on top of Leeds’ relegation worries, Romano has provided an update on Raphinha’s future at Elland Road.
He said: “Barcelona are really in very advanced talks to sign Raphinha – with the player, so on personal terms for a contract for five years, so they already discussed the salary.
“They discussed every single detail with his agent, Deco, who is really close to the president of Barcelona, [Joan] Laporta, but they’re waiting to see what happens with Leeds. And then they will enter into negotiations. But Raphinha is a top target for Barca.”
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
We think a lot of Leeds fans will be resigned to losing their star man this summer, with reports linking him with a move for months now.
However, the biggest concern will be if the Whites do go down to the Championship and his relegation clause kicks in to provide Barcelona with a bargain.
It would be bad enough seeing this season’s top scorer depart as it is, but to see him join one of the biggest clubs in the world on a cut-price deal would surely be a real blow.
In other news: Journalist posts worrying behind-scenes footage out of Leeds