Raphinha move from Leeds United to Barcelona does not hinge on Dembele, Traore may leave
Barcelona could reportedly sign Raphinha from Leeds United regardless of what happens to Ousmane Dembele’s future.
According to Spanish media outlet AS, the Frenchman is likely to continue even if the Brazilian is signed this summer.
A player who could leave is Adama Traore as the Catalans are prepared not to exercise the option to buy in his contract.
Trouble
A new deal for Dembele was what Leeds fans were grasping on in order to get some hope that Raphinha could stay.
However, it seems like Xavi wants both Dembele and Raphinha in the same team.
The fact that Deco is on such good terms with their hierarchy makes this move easier to happen.
Barca might not be able to afford him as a standalone signing so are looking to offer players as makeweights.
Thus far, Oscar Mingueza, Sergino Dest and even Clement Lenglet’s names have been mentioned in order to get the Whites to cash in on Raphina.
It remains to be seen if the club hierarchy are willing to comply or they can convince Raphinha to sign a new deal and stay for another season.
Alternatively, they can add a release clause and not budge from their valuation, something that the Brazilian and Deco should be open with.
Hopefully, all parties can come to a resolution soon because this saga seems to be dragging on needlessly.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are leading the race to complete a major signing and have already opened talks to seal a £25m deal.