By Saikat Mandal

9th Jun, 2022 | 9:38am

Deco now offers Leeds United winger Raphinha to other clubs

Leeds United winger Raphinha reportedly wants to join Barcelona, but he now understands that a move to Camp Nou would be really difficult.

According to the Spanish newspaper, Mundo Deportivo (9 June, page 13), the player’s agent, Deco, is already “probing alternatives”, while Raphinha is now “offering himself to other teams”.

The report adds that Barcelona have not made any official offer, nor have they offered any player as a part of the deal for Raphinha.

Leeds are expected to demand a fee in the region of £60-£70m as reported by Phil Hay for The Athletic website on 3 June, and Barcelona’s current financial situation will prevent them from spending that amount of money on the Brazilian.

Liverpool potential option?

It was always going to be difficult for Raphinha to move to Barcelona this summer, once the Whites secured their Premier League status last season.

It gives them power in the transfer window to demand a high fee for the Brazilian, and Barcelona are struggling to meet the amount.

Every player has a price, and unless Barcelona come close to the asking price set by Leeds United, Raphinha’s chance of sealing a dream move to Camp Nou won’t materialise.

At the same time, the player probably feels that it is the right time for him to move elsewhere and test himself at a top club, especially when Liverpool are reportedly interested.

The Reds could be looking to sign an attacking midfielder this summer, with the future of Sadio Mane hanging in the balance.

If Mane leaves the club, Raphinha could be seen as a viable alternative. The Reds could throw Takumi Minamino as a part of the deal to secure his signature.

In other Leeds news, Bordeaux Alberth Elis is’ attracting’ interest from Jesse Marsch.