Journalist Conor McGilligan believes that another side could come in for the Brazilian.
Since the end of their poor season which saw the Whites battling relegation until the final day of the Premier League season, all of their top players have been linked with moves away from Elland Road. The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha have been touted to leave for top clubs.
For the Brazilian, the biggest rumour has been about the Spanish giants Barcelona, who have been wanting to sign the Leeds forward since before the end of the season. It was also reported Raphinha wanted to sign for the Blaugrana as he only had two years left on his contract.
However, according to McGilligan, they are now out of the running for the forward, favouring former PSG star Angel Di Maria, but believes their rivals Real Madrid could come in for him now they face less competition.
He said on his One Leeds Fan Channel on YouTube, “It looks like Barcelona are taking a step back from our boy Raphinha. I think that was pretty obvious to be quite honest with you guys. I have mentioned Real Madrid for a long time now, just a little feeling I’ve got that they might make a move for Raphinha. But the interesting thing with Barcelona is it looks like they’ve completely taken him off the transfer list and actually replaced him with Angel Di Maria”. (1:17)
Will Leeds sell Raphinha?YesNo |
TIF Thoughts on McGilligan’s comments…
It makes sense that Barcelona is no longer interested in the Brazilian forward due to their financial problems and the fee that will seemingly take to bring Raphinha to the Nou Camp. However, the interest from Real Madrid comes as a surprise as they currently boast some incredible wingers in Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eden Hazard, but the Brazilian could feature as a great number two to Vinicius.
Raphinha was inferior to Vinicius last season with 11 goals and three assists to the Madrid man’s 22 and 16, but he would start ahead of Rodrygo who managed nine and six and hazard who has struggled with fitness and injuries since he arrived in the Spanish capital.
Regardless of where he goes signing the Leeds winger will cost a pretty penny with it reported that the north England side wants at least €55 million for his services as they look to build around new manager Jesse Marsch. However, if anyone could get this done, it would be Los Blancos.