Craig Scott

Fri 6 May 2022 17:10, UK

Barcelona “will” sign Raphinha from Leeds United in the summer transfer window, according to Sport.

The Spanish news outlet claims that Barca manager Xavi is convinced the 25-year-old Brazil international will be a key player who’ll La Liga titles at the Nou Camp.

It is understood that Barcelona have put their “body and soul” into trying to sign Raphinha, who’s nailed-on to be included in the Brazil squad this summer ahead of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Huge blow

Raphinha’s move away from Leeds has been coming for a while, in all honesty.

He’s been tremendous in his time at the club but he’s way too good to be playing for a club that’s been in a relegation battle this season.

It’s hard to not sound too biased saying this but Raphinha would walk into most starting line-ups in the Premier League – let alone Barcelona’s.

Barca are not the club they once were so it’s not hard for him to get into the one at the Nou Camp. Tyler Roberts would probably get on the bench at least.

But Raphinha’s time seems to be coming to a natural end and we can totally understand why for everyone that a summer move to the Nou Camp is the right move.

Raphinha simply cannot be playing in the Championship next season.

If we do go down then there’s a chance a release clause will become active and he’ll be able to move to Barca on the cheap.

If we stay up, we might get more money for him but ultimately, the player won’t want to be staying here and potentially getting in another relegation scrap next term when he could be playing in the Champions League and World Cup before the year ends.

In other Leeds United news, there’s a major issue on the cards for the 49ers’ takeover and Andrea Radrizzani might have to re-negotiate a deal.