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John Barnes expects Raphinha to leave Leeds United, Liverpool most likely destination
Leeds United “superstar” Raphinha is perfectly suited to play for Liverpool and will leave if a big offer comes in according to John Barnes.
The Brazilian has been the stand-out performer at Elland Road this season despite the club’s fortunes being poor over all, and the Anfield side have reportedly been tracking his progress since he arrive in the Premier League (Liverpool Echo).
Former Liverpool and England winger Barnes told Bonus Code Bets, via Leeds Live: “If teams like Leeds have a superstar player, as Leeds do with Raphinha, then it’s easy to see them moving on.
“I could see Raphinha playing for Liverpool more so than any other team because of his dynamism. Manchester City would look for a more technical player, but because of the way Liverpool play it will suit him.
“Leeds fans would want him to stay, but if a big offer came in, he would leave.”
Real danger
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The Whites rejected a bid believed to be worth £50million from West Ham during the January transfer window but the prospect of losing the Brazilian is becoming more real.
In the face of extensive injury issues, and with Marcelo Bielsa unwilling to compromise his system to accommodate resulting weaknesses, the club have had a terrible year.
The form recently has seen 16 goals conceded in four games, while one point in 12 during that span has dropped United to only three points above the relegation zone.
The 25-year-old performed well on international duty with Brazil recently to show that he could surely operate at one of the top clubs in the division.
His form has dipped slightly of late but he still scored in the loss against Manchester United despite being dropped from the starting XI.
He may have been interested in leaving anyway but as the club slips towards the drop zone this impulse is likely to increase.
And should the unthinkable happen and the club goes down he is almost certain to go, with Gianluigi Longari reporting this week his he has a relegation release clause that could see him move for as little as €25million.
In other Leeds United news, there was more bad news on the injury front in Bielsa’s press conference today.