Fabrizio Romano reveals update on Raphinha future with Leeds United amid relegation battle
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona are still leading the race to sign Leeds United star Raphinha in the summer ahead of the likes of Newcastle United.
The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Elland Road in the upcoming transfer window and has attracted interest from many clubs, including the Magpies, Chelsea and the Catalan-based outfit.
Romano, in a column for Caught Offside, stated that no fee has been agreed for the departure of Raphinha in the coming months due to Leeds’ ongoing relegation battle.
“There are still no advanced negotiations for Raphinha between Leeds and Barcelona because the Spanish club wants to respect Leeds in their relegation fight,” he wrote.
“But in reality, since March, Raphinha and his agent Deco are in very advanced talks with Barça on personal terms for a contract until June 2027.
“Raphinha wants Barcelona, it’s his priority, but there is no definitive agreement between clubs so far. We’ll see if the €25m release clause can be activated or not, with Leeds still not safe in the Premier League.
“Certainly English clubs like Newcastle have explored the Raphinha idea in recent months but they know that the player’s priority is now Barcelona.”
Big-game player
Raphinha has been Leeds United’s best-attacking player in the campaign and produced another decent performance for the side in a crucial 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday where he created numerous chances in the second half.
While that result must have given the Whites a glimmer of hopes of keeping their place in the Premier League next season, the Ellan Road-faithful will remain hopeful that after avoiding relegation, their club will be able to keep their star player for at least another season.
The 25-year-old joined the Premier League outfit from French club Stade Rennais in October 2020 in a deal worth £16.74 million, and will certainly leave for more than that.
Since then, Raphinha has played 66 matches for his current club where he has managed to score 16 times and provided 12 assists.
In the ongoing campaign, the left-footed winger has scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances for the club, making it a sad day when he does eventually decide to move on.
In other Leeds United news, Gelhardt has been told to quit Elland Road after a shock report emerged by The Telegraph.