Leeds United

Leeds United: Journalist makes bold claim on future of winger

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Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that Leeds United winger Raphinha is almost certainly going to join Barcelona in the summer.

According to recent reports, Leeds winger Raphinha has told the club that he desires to move to the La Liga side when the summer transfer window opens, and the fee is likely to be a significant one, with fellow Premier League side West Ham United having a £50m bid for the Brazilian turned down in January.

Raphinha has been the star man this season for Leeds, as he netted 11 times in the Premier League, which made him the club’s top scorer, while he also contributed with three assists.

With the reports that Raphinha is keen to join Barcelona, Talbot appeared to confirm this whilst speaking with GiveMeSport, saying that it is something that is ‘almost certainly going to happen’.

He said: “I’m told that Raphinha will end up at Barcelona – that’s almost certainly going to happen. I think that will happen and that’s going to bolster them.

“But then you’ve got Newcastle looking at Jack Harrison as well. That’s the same sort of area, so will they want to let both of them go? I’m not sure about that.”

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TIF Thoughts on Talbot’s comments…

Raphinha has somewhat been the saviour this season for Leeds. In the Premier League, he had the most goal contributions (14), while he also created 10 big chances and averaged 1.8 successful dribbles per game – both of which were more than anyone else in the Leeds squad, as per SofaScore.

It would be a massive loss for Jesse Marsch if the Brazilian was to part ways with the club in the summer, but Leeds might have to cash in on him if he desires to move on for a greater challenge.

With a £50m bid being rejected by the club in January, it is likely that they will only accept a larger fee this summer, so Marsch could use these funds to invest in the rest of the squad to ensure that they have a more successful season next term.

However, we are not absolutely certain that Talbot’s claim will come to fruition – as there have also been reports that Barcelona will have to meet Leeds’ asking price of €55m (£46.7m) in order to seal the deal.

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