Leeds United news: Roman Abramovich move at Chelsea has big impact on Raphinha transfer
Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell Chelsea will have an impact on their bid to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to Fabrizio Romano.
On 2 March, the Russian businessman confirmed he’d put Chelsea up for sale with Russia invading and waging war upon Ukraine.
Guardian journalist Romano says that Raphinha’s situation at Leeds has been informed to Chelsea and adds there are different clauses that could affect the price of any future transfer.
However, Abramovich’s efforts to sell the Stamford Bridge club has put any transfer plans on hold.
“I want to mention two names, Chelsea were working before the story with selling the club,” said Romano on the latest episode of the Here We Go Podcast [8 March, Spotify].
“One is Jules Kounde, he is still top of the list but they want to see what is next, what owner, what kind of budget they will have.
“This is why they are not allowed to complete agreements until now. Jules Kounde is one and then Raphinha from Leeds.
“It’s not a negotiation, it’s not like they are negotiating with Leeds.
“The player is focused on Leeds and on the season, also because of relegation and there are a few clauses that could change the price.
“Chelsea were just informed of the Raphinha situation, they were not negotiating with the player and Leeds.”
Will Raphinha go?
If we’re relegated from the Premier League, you’d have to say that Raphinha will definitely quit Leeds and will more than likely go for a very cheap fee.
However, if we stay up, the chances of him staying probably still aren’t great.
While we admit that Raphinha’s form lately has not been great, the Brazil international is not someone who you’d expect to be fighting against relegation to the Championship.
Raphinha is a star of this Leeds team and wouldn’t look out of place in a Champions League side or one that’s pushing for major silverware like Chelsea.
It remains to be seen what happens at Stamford Bridge once Abramovich does sell the London club because the lack of financial support from Russia could seriously hinder Chelsea’s progress and ability to be able to sign players like Raphinha.
He’s not going to be short of suitors in the summer, that’s for sure, and that could drive up his price.
Either way, Leeds fans probably won’t get to see much more of the ex-Rennes winger in their famous white kit.
And while he’s not playing too well, it’s best for fans to soak it all in and ensure they don’t take any of what could be his final games for us for granted.
In other Leeds United news, Tyler Roberts has exploded at critics on Instagram, telling some Leeds fans to “grow up”.