Phil Hay responds when asked Raphinha will have Leeds United release clause
Phil Hay is unsure whether or not Raphinha will have a release clause in his new contract at Leeds United.
Last week, Marcelo Bielsa was quoted by the Independent as saying confirming that the club are discussing a new deal with the 25-year-old Brazil international.
Raphinha’s incredible performances at Leeds have understandably led to links to top clubs in the Premier League and across Europe [ESPN].
The Athletic journalist Hay was asked whether due to the interest that Raphinha would have a release clause in his new deal but he isn’t too sure at this stage.
“I do think that will happen,” said Hay on the Phil Hay Show on 21 January [via Spotify].
“We’ve obviously had the new deal for Adam Forshaw as well, that was on the cards for a little while and no problem there so yes, I think [a new deal for Raphinha] is likely.”
Hay was then asked whether there will be a release clause in Raphinha’s new contract.
The ex-Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said: “It’s a good question and well worth asking.
“[It’s] one of those you’ll find out when it’s agreed. Or not, if nobody says anything about it.
“But I don’t know if he’d be asking for that, I don’t know if he’d demand it or expect it.
“Something tells me that when it comes to clubs bidding for him further down the line, they are likely to be offering fees that will be high enough.”
Major money
Whether Raphinha has a release clause in his contract or not, there’s every chance that the winger will be sold for a massive amount of money once his days at Elland Road are over.
In a season and a half, Raphinha has lit up the Premier League.
He was a superb signing from Rennes last year and has since scored 14 goals and supplied 11 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
Of course, we’d love to see the Brazil winger stay at Leeds for as long as possible but we would be naive to say that he’s not someone who will want to play Champions League football in the near future.
Raphinha could get into the starting line-up of most teams in the Premier League. Manchester City and Liverpool are probably the only teams he might not play regularly for.
Once his days at Elland Road are over, we expect Raphinha to go for a huge fee.
Whether there’s a release clause or not, he’ll deserve his next move – whether it may be to – and we’ll be more than happy with the business.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds have been told to pay over £6million to sign a “terrific” player who’s been tipped to move on.