Leeds United star Raphinha’s agent Deco has travelled to Barcelona to push through contract deal
Deco has travelled to Barcelona looking to close “as soon as possible” a five-year contract agreement for Leeds United star Raphinha, UOL Sport reports.
According to Brazilian journalist Bruno Andrade the Portuguese is expected to arrive today or tomorrow in order to complete a deal for the Whites winger before a transfer fee is negotiated.
The 25-year-old is known to be a key transfer target of the Catalan giants and talks are said to be “advanced” between the club and player.
The UOL Sport report in Brazil says that while an official offer has yet to be made to United, they have already indicated they will not accept anything below a “minimum” of £40million.
Andrade wrote on Twitter: “Deco is in Barcelona to discuss Raphinha’s future; Barça wants to line up as soon as possible a 5-year contract (until June 2027) and then negotiate the amount of the severance pay with Leeds.
He then followed up with an update, saying: “Fix/Update: Deco traveled to Europe over the weekend, is expected in Barcelona between today and tomorrow”.
Not again
The transfer talk was reaching fever pitch during the international break, but looked to have died down with the return of club football.
Xavi’s La Liga side appear to be struggling to navigate a transfer fee that they cannot afford.
But with Deco a former player at the Camp Nou and widely reported to be a South American scout for the club it seems he is due in the city to continue work on the deal.
It would do everyone plenty of good if this could be put on hold, at the very least until Premier League survival is secured.
Barcelona appear to be banking on that not happening, with a relegation release clause their best bet in securing Raphinha on the cheap.
It has been repeatedly reported by UK-based journalists that his current contract has no clause in it if they beat the drop.
As that is looking increasingly likely, the Catalans are either going to have to stump up the cash, or the Brazilian will likely be staying at Elland Road for now.
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