Phil Hay responds when asked to address rumoured hold-up in Raphinha-Leeds deal
Leeds United are yet to confirm the arrival of winger Raphinha on a permanent basis from Rennes.
It has been widely reported that the 23-year-old has arrived in England to undergo a medical with the Whites but with just hours to go until the transfer deadline passes, rumours are swirling on social media.
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay was asked to address speculation that Raphinha is having trouble in getting a work permit to join Leeds.
The former Yorkshire Evening Post reporter responded by saying: “It’s a key part of the process. He needs one.”
This is one of the issues with leaving it so late to get a deal done.
However, Rennes played Raphinha on Sunday in their 2-2 draw against Reims in Ligue 1, which is why the deal has come down to being completed on transfer deadline day.
It was a good decision by Rennes, at least, as Raphinha scored and assisted in their four-goal stalemate.
But, for Leeds, it could mean that the clock beats them in their bid to land Raphinha in the eleventh-hour of the elongated summer transfer window.
If something does go wrong then the Whites still have time to bring in a new winger to add to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad in the Premier League.
Clubs have until October 16 to sign players from Premier League and EFL clubs and the likes of Daniel James and Harry Wilson are among those in England who’ve been linked with the Whites since the end of last season and could be signed after Monday.
It will be interesting to see what happens if the Raphinha deal isn’t completed in time but let’s hope that is not the case.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are plotting a late swoop for this Dutch international.