Craig Scott

Mon 28 March 2022 8:51, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...

Paul Robinson is concerned that if Leeds United don’t sell Raphinha this summer, the winger’s value will start to drop.

Raphinha, 25, has been one of Leeds’ stand-out players this term but the Brazil winger’s form has notably dropped in the last two months.

Amid his worrying performances, the ex-Rennes ace has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona and Sport reported yesterday [27 March] that he’s even agreed personal terms with the La Liga club.

Robinson would rather Leeds sold Raphinha now while his value is maximised rather than taking a chance on keeping him and seeing that price tag plummet due to poor form.

“Raphinha certainly hasn’t hit the heights of last season this season and I don’t think he would next season if he stayed on,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.

“If he continues being inconsistent the way he has been, his price tag might not stay the same.

“Yes, he is one of the best players at Leeds and he’s a top talent. But I think now might be the time to sell him and put the money back into the squad so you can get players with a different attitude and mentality.

“Raphinha’s a luxury player but I think Leeds will be better off selling him, getting the money and signing three or four quality players. You wouldn’t want to lose Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips in the same window.

“If you can keep Phillips and then use the money from Raphinha to put back into the squad, it wouldn’t be a bad bit of business in my eyes.”

Raphinha is Leeds’ top goalscorer this season with nine goals in 27 Premier League appearances.

He missed the last game before the international break due to an illness but has since returned to training.

In other Leeds United news, Stan Collymore says Jesse Marsch does something in dressing rooms to Leeds players that Marcelo Bielsa didn’t.