Raphinha might have to force way out of Leeds United after ‘phenomenal’ financial reveal
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Leeds United this month is that Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe are running a very tight ship when it comes to finances.
As confirmed on Companies House on 6 April, Leeds made an operating profit of £5million last season and are one of just two 2020/21 Premier League clubs to do so.
It’s a huge achievement that is laid bare by football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
He was quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post on 7 April as saying Leeds’ commercial revenue of £20million “is phenomenal by a non big six club”.
Maguire also said: “The potential for Leeds is significant because it does have a brand in its own right, which it had in the Championship and not many clubs that come up have that.”
And that financial potential is bound to have been unlocked further this season with Elland Road open to fans to really boost the income.
Leeds’ player trading was in the red, though, with the club posting a £1million loss on sales.
However, it does beg the question that if Leeds’ financial position is so stable, do they need to sell anyone this summer?
Raphinha is easily one of the most valuable players at Elland Road. If it’s not Kalvin Phillips, then it’s the Brazilian who’ll fetch the Whites the most money if he’s sold.
The 25-year-old winger’s performances over the last couple of seasons have been superb and it’s no surprise that he’s been linked with top clubs.
Most of the speculation has revolved around a potential move to Barcelona with Fabrizio Romano reporting on 25 March that Raphinha’s agent Deco has been in advanced talks with the Nou Camp club since February.
Victor Orta has confirmed on Radio Marca that there’s no release clause in Raphinha’s contract if Leeds stay in the Premier League this season so it remains to be seen what kind of fee the winger would be valued at.
But even if Barca do offer the big bucks – do Leeds need to sell?
Raphinha has been the star of the show for the Whites in the Premier League, scoring 16 goals and supplying 12 assists in 61 appearances across all competitions since his arrival from Rennes.
Why should Leeds sell him?
If the club doesn’t need the money, then why sell a player who is clearly your best attacking outlet?
If Raphinha wants to go and join Barcelona, he might have to go out there and force his way out of Elland Road because we cannot see that good a reason for United to cash in on the Brazil international otherwise.
The 49ers increased their stake at Elland Road in November so the club will have more financial backing this summer if they want to bolster the squad without selling anyone.
It’s all going to be on Raphinha, really.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are readying a move to sign this £90,000-a-week striker in the summer.