By George Overhill

16th Mar, 2022 | 12:40pm

Fabrizio Romano: Leeds United star Raphinha would be 'more than attracted' by Barcelona move

Raphinha would be “more than attracted” by a move to Barcelona in the summer, and his agent Deco’s great relationship would help, reports Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian is increasingly expected to move on from Elland Road whether the club avoids relegation or not, with the potential release clauses attached to which division the club ends up in reportedly what is holding off official negotiations for now.

Romano reported on Twitter this week that the Spanish giants had joined Liverpool in the race to sign the winger, with Chelsea now in “stand-by” due to their difficulties following the sanctions on Roman Abramovich, and from what he has now added it sounds like the Camp Nou could be the player’s top destination.

Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, the journalist said: “Raphinha is another name that is on the table at Barcelona.

“From what I’m told, Barcelona alongside English clubs: Liverpool and Chelsea. Of course Chelsea were interested, really seriously interested, before their problems.

“Barcelona, they have a great relationship with Deco, he’s even working with the club and he’s really close with [Joan] Laporte. He’s the agent of Raphinha, so this is why the relationship is great.

“Raphinha could have some exit clauses in his contract in case Leeds go to the Championship, so it depends on Leeds, this is why there is no negotiations from the club’s side.

“From what I am told the player would be more than attracted by Barcelona.”

Inevitable?

It looks to be a matter of when and where rather than if the 25-year-old leaves Leeds now.

Now that Xavi’s resurgent La Liga giants are in the mix for him it makes a lot of sense.

The fact that former Barca player Deco is Raphinha’s agent is sure to ease such a transition.

The Portuguese former midfielder also played for Chelsea, but their situation looks to have removed them from the running entirely.

Assuming Jesse Marsch can lead the Whites out of relegation danger, and the Norwich win at leasts hints that may be possible, fans would surely prefer to not have to face off against their former star man twice a season were he to move to Anfield.

The stand-out performer this year, Raphinha’s performances had dipped in recent weeks, suggesting he might have had his eye more on a summer move than a relegation scrap.

But those fears were largely allayed with his match-winning turn at Elland Road at the weekend, responding brilliantly to the Canaries late equaliser to drive forward and lay on Joe Gelhardt’s 94th-minute winner.

If he can provide a few more involvements like that and keep the club in the top tier then most fans will likely wave him off with their thanks in the summer.

In other Leeds United news, Tony Dorigo has opened up on his emotional reaction to the injury-time winner.