Leeds United exit for Raphinha hinges on Man United reaction to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong fee
Manchester United’s “vow” in the face of demands from Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong will determine Raphinha’s Leeds United future.
The Mirror have reported that the Old Trafford side have resolved not to be a “financial bail-out” for the Catalan giants.
La Liga’s runners-up have been chasing the Whites’ Brazilian star for months, but their financial constraints have since proven to be extensive enough that they cannot afford to buy him.
Had Jesse Marsch’s side been relegated to the Championship there was a relegation-release fee of around €25million, which it appears they still may have struggled to meet.
But with Premier League survival secured on the final day of the season Leeds’ position was secured to demand a much larger price for the Brazilian international, which The Athletic’s Phil Hay has since reported to be £60million to £70million.
Absent a major influx of cash they are not capable of reaching the number this summer, especially since TEAMtalk report there will be flat refusals from Elland Road in response to attempts to include players in order to bring the cost of the deal down.
Domino effect
Just as it looked like the chances of the former Rennes man moving to the Blaugrana were over, the arrival of Erik ten Hag as the new boss at Old Trafford opened the door again.
They want to prize Dutch star de Jong out of the club to reunite him with his former Ajax manager, but according to The Mirror they have had a £60million bid rejected.
Barca reportedly are keen to let him go in order to ease their financial concerns and are after around £70million, but the Reds apparently want to avoid paying full price.
A source said: “As much as De Jong is a player the club and Ten Hag admire, they’re not prepared to be Barcelona’s financial bail-out.”
There is now a symmetry in terms of Leeds refusing to bow to demands from the Camp Nou to reduce the Raphinha price.
At the same time, the club’s Premier League rivals in Manchester have now insisted they won’t bow to the Catalan side’s demands to increase the de Jong price.
Whites fans will now find themselves in the odd position of hoping negotiators at Old Trafford can get as good a deal as possible, or walk away without buckling.
If the transfer doesn’t happen there is currently no obvious alternative that would open up possibilities in Spain for a realistic Raphinha bid.
Even if ten Hag gets his man, if it is for below the asking price then the there still may not be enough for Barcelona to turn to Leeds and offer the asking price, as it is unlikely all of it will be immediately available to spend.
So Manchester United currently hold the key to whether the Leeds star stays or goes, and fans will have a close eye on negotiations at the Red Devils.
In other Leeds United news, the club have completed a £10.2million deal for their next summer transfer with add-ons included.