View: Leeds United must keep hold of Raphinha amid monumental interest
Leeds United must try absolutely everything possible to keep their star man, Raphinha, in a bid to stay in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has been linked with a host of European giants as the January transfer window looms, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Reports from TNT Sports Brazil even claimed the 25-year-old was set to join the Germans in the upcoming window.
However, with one of the most respected journalists in the world, Fabrizio Romano, countering these claims, Raphinha’s future is still up for discussion with Leeds absolutely desperate to keep hold of their magician.
Relegation battle
It seems bizarre that the Whites are even being mentioned in the same breath as a relegation battle after such a successful season in the Premier League. But this is a season like no other.
With Leeds struggling in almost every department it is crucial they keep hold of one of their top performers since gaining promotion to the topflight.
The South American has nine goal involvements in 16 Premier League matches for Leeds, leading the way for the team by some margin.
Considering he has carried the burden on his shoulders for large parts of the season, could you imagine how well he could perform once it is lifted and key players such as Patrick Bamford return?
Raphinha is an excellent player and to suggest Leeds should look to keep hold of him long term is ludicrous. He has more than enough talent to play anywhere as painful as it is to admit.
Although, they must certainly look to keep him until at least the end of the season. He could easily be the difference between staying in the league and relegation which is why Leeds have to keep him.
In other Whites news, Paul Merson predicts Leeds United v Burnley.