Frenkie de Jong comments boost Leeds United hopes of keeping Raphinha
Frenkie de Jong’s latest comments over a potential move to Manchester United could provide Leeds United with hope of keeping Raphinha with Barcelona interested in the winger.
The Athletic revealed on Tuesday, 14 June that Barcelona are struggling to fund a deal for the Brazilian with the Leeds star keen on a move to Spain.
However, Barcelona’s hopes of funding a deal for the winger could’ve taken a blow after de Jong’s latest comments on his potential transfer to Manchester United.
The Daily Mail reported on 14 June that United are in negotiations with Barcelona over a potential deal for the Holland international which could see some much-needed funds come into the Camp Nou.
However, speaking whilst on international duty with Holland de Jong appeared to be in no hurry to make the move to Manchester.
The Barcelona midfielder said [as quoted by the Daily Mail on 15 June]: “You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player but I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and I feel fine there, so no news.”
De Jong’s transfer to Manchester United has emerged as a key component for Barcelona to make a move for Raphinha after long-standing interest in the 25-year-old winger.
If Raphinha does depart this summer it is crucial that he is adequately replaced by Jesse Marsch as the American looks to stamp his authority on proceedings at Elland Road.
This transfer saga feels as if it could be prolonged throughout the summer with Manchester United notoriously slow at getting deals over the line.
Any transfer fee for Barcelona could well take a while to arrive at the Camp Nou.
Unfortunately for Leeds, it feels as if questions on Raphinha’s future could rumble on well into the transfer window.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are in pursuit of this £50,000-a-week forward who’s available for £3.4million.