Sky Sports pundit stunned by ‘incredible’ Leeds United transfer news as Raphinha agreement detailed
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 stunned by Barcelona reaching an agreement to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha despite months of back-and-forth between the two clubs.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday (12 July) that Barca have agreed a deal with Leeds to sign the 25-year-old Brazil international worth £48.9million plus add-ons.
It is understood that procedures to register Raphinha are set to begin at the Nou Camp.
Raphinha has been strongly linked with Barca for months but the cash-strapped Spanish club hadn’t been able to match Leeds’ valuation of their star man.
However, despite Chelsea seemingly offering more for the ex-Rennes attacker, Leeds have begrudgingly accepted Barcelona’s offer with agent Deco no doubt forcing the move.
Robinson cannot believe Barca have pulled it off considering the financial issues at the Nou Camp.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News about Romano’s update on Tuesday, Robinson said: “Barcelona’s financial situation is incredible.
“They’re always going to be Barcelona and always have the pull, they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s a huge thing.
“But financially, they haven’t got the muscle they had of old.”
Barca, however, have reportedly offered Leeds what they want for Raphinha, which comes as a massive shock due to the crippling debt at the Catalan club.
ESPN report on 10 July that Barcelona’s debt is worth a staggering £1billion.
Barcelona chief Eduard Romeu has recently been quoted by Sport as saying: “The negative capital of €500m. You could add €150m to that in losses this season if we didn’t do anything. I said it before, if someone wants give me €500m… That is what we need to save Barca.”
It’s also been widely reported that Barcelona are closing in on signing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
In other Leeds United news, Kalvin Phillips has been slammed for “patronising” Leeds fans with a gesture he made after he joined Manchester City.