Leeds United will reject all Barcelona players in swap offers, straight cash the only option
Leeds United will refuse any players as make-weights if Barcelona try to bring down the cost of a move for Raphinha, according to TEAMtalk.
The Catalan giants have been in line as the main suitors for the Whites’ Brazilian star for months, but following the conclusion of the Premier League season they have proven to be unable to afford him, absent the previously-mooted relegation-release clause.
Sport in Spain reported on Saturday [11 June] that the player’s agent Deco will knock away all the alternative offers from the Premier League as they hold out for a move to the Camp Nou, and with Manchester United attempting to make a big-money move for their Dutch star Frenkie de Jong, the door could be opened for a new approach.
If it does happen it is expected that they will again do everything they can to avoid meeting the £60million to £70million asking price [The Athletic] outright, by offering players in exchange.
But TEAMtalk report: “We understand Leeds will likely reject all such offers. As a result, Leeds are seemingly holding out for a straight cash sale only.
“Barca will then try and heavily incentivise his transfer with a lesser downpayment. That will include the offer of bonuses and add-ons to enhance his transfer value.”
Dug in
By now it would have seemed clear to most that the decision makers at Elland Road were not going to make allowances for the difficulties of the side from La Liga.
They are under no obligation to do so, and if Barcelona want Raphinha so badly then they have to shed the requisite assets to afford him.
The 25-year-old himself is stuck in the middle, as he has his heart set on a move to the Blaugrana, and clearly has been convinced of it being his future.
But if the buying club cannot back up what they have told him it is they who ultimately are leaving him disappointed.
To his credit he hasn’t caused an issue at United, and the signs point to him remaining professional and doing his job in Yorkshire.
If the Whites are unwilling to budge then it is down to Barca to send the de Jong money straight back to England if they sell him and they then want to take the Elland Road star.
Otherwise it looks like he stays at the club for another season ahead of a cut-price move next summer when he has just 12 months left on his contract.
In other Leeds United news, the club have agreed a £10.2million deal for their third signing of the summer, with the official announcement expected within days.