Robinson: Leeds United should sell Raphinha if January contract news is correct
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...
Leeds United should sell Raphinha in January if the winger does not agree to signing a new contract, according to Paul Robinson.
Raphinha, 25, has been in stunning form at Elland Road and has been linked with top clubs both in England and across Europe.
It was West Ham, however, who made a move for the Brazil international in the January transfer window.
According to an update by 90min on 29 January, the Hammers had a £50million bid for Raphinha turned down by Leeds.
However, it was claimed that the ex-Rennes winger is interested in a move to the London Stadium and “he’s unlikely to sign a new contract” at Leeds right now despite the Yorkshire club attempting to agree fresh terms.
Robinson feels as though Raphinha could fetch his club enough money to be able to fund a major upgrade and says that if the winger is unwilling to pen a new deal, he should be sold in the summer.
“I think they would get maximum value for him this summer and I think if you’re a team where Leeds are right now and you’re growing and evolving, you see other teams do it where every summer, you have to sell one of your better players,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“We’ve seen Liverpool do it with Philippe Coutinho and people thought that was the end of the world – same with Luis Suarez.
“But if the money is used right and is put into the squad to buy four or five other quality players to build a team, it bolsters the ability to climb up the table.
“There’s a situation where every player has got his price.
“I’d be amazed if Raphinha wanted to go to West Ham, I don’t think the gulf between the two teams is that big. And if he keeps playing the way he has been, there’ll be bigger fish for him to fry and there’ll be Champions League clubs knocking on the door for him.
“If he doesn’t want to sign a new contract then you do have to look at selling him and I don’t think it would be a bad thing if they got top dollar for him if that money is used wisely.”
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have suffered a “massive blow” ahead of playing Aston Villa on Wednesday.