Lucrative Barcelona contract on the cards for Raphinha with Leeds United star frustrated at Elland Road
Raphinha feels his £70million release clause at Leeds United is pricing him out of a move to Barcelona, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper reported via their print edition on Wednesday [23 March, page 57] that a “lucrative” five-year contract is on offer for Raphinha, 25, if he quits Elland Road to join Barca.
It is understood that Leeds are in a fight to keep hold of the Brazil international, who’s yet to agree a new contract due to the club’s reluctance to lower the aforementioned release clause.
The Mirror adds that Barcelona are only ready to offer £29million for Raphinha.
Worrying
If Raphinha feels that release clause is pricing himself out of a move to Barcelona, why did he agree to sign it?
He’s a player who’s definitely worth around £70million so it was not unreasonable at all for Leeds United to include that in his deal when he joined from Rennes in 2020.
And, while Barcelona have their well-documented financial issues, if they really wanted Raphinha then they would stump up more than £29million for one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.
What we’re seeing here is a club trying to unsettle a player by offering lowball bids and pleading poverty.
When in actual fact, we all know that Barca could probably turn around and at the flick of a switch, stump up the money that’s required to sign Raphinha.
Leeds cannot and must not accept anywhere near what Barcelona are reportedly willing to pay for Raphinha right now.
It’s derisory.
In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth has admitted what is “very possible” to happen for Raphinha.