Alan Smith expects Raphinha to leave Leeds United in the summer
Former Leeds United favourite Alan Smith thinks Raphinha is likely to leave Elland in the summer, but hopes he keeps the club first.
The Brazilian was reportedly subject to a club-record offer from West Ham during the January transfer window (The Guardian), and The Express claims that both Liverpool and Chelsea are planning to chase him after the season.
The 25-year-old has become the star performer at Elland Road during a turbulent season that has seen fellow first-team stars miss a lot of time through injury and the club fall down the Premier League table.
Ex-Whites forward Smith believes the injuries have played havoc with Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but expects the club to survive the drop this season.
He told Offers Bet: “There has been talk of it [a move] and I’m not sure if other clubs are waiting for the summer, but Raphina has done really well.
“He’s a really good player and I hope that he can make sure that he keeps us up before he does decide to move on.
“I think Leeds will be okay, and they’ve got enough. There are going to be times where it gets closer for a lot of teams, but I think they will be able to pick up enough points over time to stay up.”
King’s ransom
Through his performances this season, in Yorkshire and on international duty, the former Rennes man has attracted a lot of attention.
It is to be expected frankly, and like fellow target of a ‘record’ West Ham offer in January Kalvin Phillips there may come a point where it becomes impossible to keep hold of them in the face of interest from a top tier side.
What will be important in that case is making sure the club is appropriately compensated.
Football Insider reported yesterday that the club were “confident” of Raphinha signing a new contract to make him their highest paid player.
If that goes through it should ensure it takes a huge offer from any potential suitor to prise one of the club’s prize assets away.
He is sure to play a key role in the second half of the season, and with nobody coming in after Brenden Aaronson could not be secured from Red Bull Salzburg it was unthinkable that a mid-season departure would be sanctioned.
In other Leeds United news, the club have apparently dropped “howitzer” information on one star man.