David Norris: Leeds could find it difficult to hold on to Raphinha for long
David Norris believes Leeds United could find it difficult to hold on to Raphinha beyond next summer given his performances.
The Brazilian attacker, 24, has been one of the best players in his position outside of the top-six since he arrived at Elland Road last summer.
Raphinha has been called up to the Brazilian national team ahead of this month’s World Cup qualifiers due to his form in the Whites’ jersey over the last few months.
According to The Independent, Liverpool and Manchester United admire the forward, and while Norris is not expecting him to leave Yorkshire in January, he reckons a summer exit cannot be ruled out.
“I think that’s going to be a huge task for Leeds to keep hold of him,” the pundit told This is Futbol.
“I think they’ll get through this January window. Hopefully, if they turn it around a little bit, get a few results, there’ll be enough to keep him there.
“But come the end of the season, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of big clubs after him.”
Transfer on the cards?
The former Rennes star has three Premier League goals so far this term after ending last season with six goals and nine assists in 30 top-flight games.
Should he make his international debut this month and play at the World Cup, his value will skyrocket, and more scouts could convince their clubs to take a look at him if he blows them away at the summer tournament.
With most of his Brazilian teammates playing Champions League football every season and competing for major silverware, can Leeds show that they have enough ambition and an exciting project that would convince him to stay?
Raphinha is not Kalvin Phillips. While the England international midfielder will open to possibly ending his career at Elland Road, the South American will be looking to move on in the near future.
Leeds are a big team, but they cannot compete with the wages and opportunities the bigwigs in England and Europe can offer him.
They will be keen to hold on to Raphinha for as long as they can, but an exit is inevitable, and they are definitely preparing ahead.
In other Leeds United news, Simon Jordan has suggested Whites player should be blocked from int’l duty by PL.