Phil Hay: No surprise if one of three Leeds United stars leaves this summer
The news surrounding Raphinha is “ominous” but it would be no surprise if he, Kalvin Phillips or Illan Meslier left Leeds United, says Phil Hay.
Barcelona are widely reported to be trying to sign the Brazilian, who Mundo Deportivo have recently claimed are also interested in the Whites’ French keeper, while West Ham and Aston Villa want Phillips.
Hay expects one of the trio to go in the summer, but says it will take big money as he echoed Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post that Raphinha has no release clause.
Speaking on the Phil Hay Show podcast he said of the three: “Who it will be is slightly more difficult to say. The Raphinha to Barcelona stuff bubbling is a little ominous I would say.
“Deco, his agent is massively connected at Barcelona. It was always likely if he was going to a top European club they’d be very prominent on the list.
“This stuff about release clauses, I’ve checked this so many times and I don’t think there is one in his current contract. There’ll be a relegation release clause without a doubt.
“That’s kind of irrelevant. If Leeds were to go down, you’re not keeping Raphinha anyway.
“This new contract they’ve been talking about, there definitely would be a release clause in that.
“Then obviously you’ve got Phillips and Meslier, this conversation is going to go on endlessly.
“It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if somebody did go for big money in the summer, and that was cash that was reinvested [in the team].”
Inevitable
It’s not what fans want to hear but the likelihood of this happening was high even before this season fell apart.
With the two outfielders excelling for their international sides it was always going to attract attention.
And young goalkeepers who play prominent roles similarly don’t go unnoticed.
Once the prospect of relegation reared its head then clubs began circling, looking to pick off the best assets.
While that looks less likely after the past two games, it seems unlikely United keep hold of all three in any case.
Raphinha continues to be most heavily linked with a move, and would probably be the preferred candidate.
There is greater strength in his position at the club so a hefty fee would not have to primarily be spent on a direct replacement when the squad needs various areas reinforced.
In other Leeds United news, the Barcelona move may be in doubt after the Blaugrana reportedly moved for a major European star.