Leeds United make strong transfer decision on Raphinha amid Barcelona twist
Leeds United are determined that they won’t sell Raphinha to Barcelona on the cheap, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper have reported via their transfer live blog on 19 June (19:03 pm) that Raphinha dreams of joining the Catalan giants and that he has reached a five-year agreement with the Spanish club for several months now.
Barcelona are struggling to meet his asking price, and there are even suggestions that the Whites could lower the asking price to help Raphinha secure his move.
The Mirror reports that the Whites, who value Raphinha at around £47 million, will not sell him to Barcelona unless they pay the full asking price.
The Catalan giants won’t be able to afford the price which means Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur can now potentially step in.
Brilliant move
Raphinha has been outstanding for the Whites over the past two seasons, and he deserves to join a big club.
Leeds won’t stand in his way if he wants to move on, but under no circumstance, the Whites must succumb to pressure.
Having secured their Premier League status, they are under no compulsion to sell him at a reduced price.
Raphinha now needs to make a decision. He cannot wait an eternity for Barcelona to make an offer.
If he leaves, Leeds will have to be quick to sign his replacements. He must give the Whites the time to find the right quality of players who can fill the void.
A move to Chelsea or Spurs could appeal to Raphinha as both of them can offer him European football, but he has set his heart on joining the Blaugrana instead.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo on 19 June (printed edition; page 2) reported that Raphinha’s agent Deco will hold talks with Barcelona this week to get clarity on whether they will make a move or not.
It’s pretty simple now – Leeds won’t crumble under pressure. Kudos for being so strong on their transfer stance.
In other Leeds United news, a big club is open to letting a number of prospects go to Elland Road, but not the one that the Whites really want.