Jesse Marsch discusses Raphinha potential move from Leeds to Barcelona
Jesse Marsch has spoken about the rumours of Leeds winger Raphinha being set to join Barcelona this summer, admitting he deserves the transfer.
The Brazilian has been hotly linked with a move to the Camp Nou this summer, with personal terms already reportedly agreed on a five-year deal [Sport].
Marsch was asked about the future of his star attacker during his pre-game press conference on Thursday [March 31] and said that while he thinks the links are justified, he hopes to keep Raphinha at the club for as long as possible.
“Yeah, speaking about this test match, little game we had Raphinha was incredible in the 45 minutes,” he said.
“He, for me, is a massive talent, a massive talent. And my challenge is despite all of the things that are being said on the outside, is to have the type of relationship with him where he and I can focus on his development and him doing everything he can to help the team and to continue to get better while he’s here.
“I haven’t said a word with him about Deco, Barcelona, any of these things right? And everybody knows it’s out there and for me as it should be because he’s a fantastic, fantastic player.
“I want him to become the player that I know that he can. I think everyone sees here, how talented he is, how committed he is, how hard he can run, how confident of a young man he is.
“You know everyone here wants to enjoy the football that we can play with him and and of course we want to convince him to stay as long as we can. Because he’s so good. He’s a fantastic player and a really good person.”
Inevitable
It’s safe to say that Marsch is handling his media duties really well since joining Elland Road and this is another example of just that.
Considering the league position of the club and the reputation that Raphinha has garnered since joining, it’s no surprise whatsoever that some of Europe’s top clubs are eyeing him in a summer transfer.
Marsch knows that interest is inevitable, just as fans do, so to handle it in a way where he comes out looking in complete control of the situation and Raphinha still looks good deserves credit.
The summer will be a long one for Whites fans whether they stay up or go down, because big decisions need to be made on the squad but it seems certain that Raphinha won’t be at Elland Road next season.
The best way for him to leave would be to give the fans the perfect present by keeping them in the Premier League and then earning the club a hefty pay day to be able to replace him.
In other Leeds news, ‘Not out of the woods yet’ – Ally McCoist makes Leeds relegation pick, impressed by one man