Presenter Dave Walker has claimed that he was shocked to hear Leeds United could receive €75m (£63.5m) if they sell Raphinha.
Barcelona have been linked with the Whites winger for some time, but it looks as though a deal could finally be close if recent reports are to be believed.
Indeed, CBS Sport journalist Ben Jacobs recently tweeted that the two clubs have ‘finally reached an agreement’ for Raphinha. He explained that the deal will cost more than expected, saying it will be close to €75m.
Having heard the news, Walker called the figure ‘madness’ while speaking on a recent episode of The Transfer Show podcast.
He said: “Raphinha, I’m sure I read somewhere the other day that it’s getting closer now with a move to Barcelona.
“But the fee could be rising up to €75m. Have they got that right, or have I misread it? That’s madness, isn’t it?
“€75m for Raphinha? I mean, he ain’t that good, is he?”
Is Raphinha worth €75m in the current market?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Raphinha and Leeds…
Raphinha certainly is a top talent, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea amongst those who also seem keen on signing him this summer. Even so, talk of a €75m does seem a little on the high side – especially when fellow Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips moved to Manchester City for an initial fee of just £42m.
And, what will further help back up Walker’s argument that the price tag really is ‘madness’ is the fact that Barcelona have had such public financial struggles in recent times.
Indeed, the Catalan side may well be forced to sell midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer to Manchester United as they reportedly can’t afford to pay his wages.
Even so, if Leeds can claim that €75m for their man, they’ll likely be delighted – regardless of how others perceive the deal.