Raphinha tells Leeds United he wants to leave, wants negotiations settled by Thursday
Raphinha has told Leeds United that he wants to leave Elland Road this summer and join Barcelona, according to Sport.
The Spanish news outlet reported on Tuesday (24 May) that everyone at Elland Road already knows that Raphinha, 25, wants to move on ahead of next season but he’s now made his intention clear to the Yorkshire club’s leaders.
It is understood that Raphinha has done that in order to speed up his move to Barca.
Sport claims that the ex-Rennes winger wants to have negotiations wrapped up before he jets out to South Korea to join up with the Brazil squad on Thursday (26 May).
After Brazil’s two friendlies against South Korea and Japan, it is reported that Raphinha will go on holiday so it seems as though he wants to officially be a Barcelona player before that point.
Raphinha has reportedly agreed a five-year deal at the Nou Camp and all that is left is for Barca to agree a fee with Leeds United for the winger’s transfer.
Going, going…
While we hold a bit of scepticism about reports emanating from Spain about Raphinha’s future at Leeds, it does seem as though he’s as good as gone.
The Brazilian looked like a broken man after the final match at Elland Road this season when he was slumped up against the goal post and had to be consoled by Victor Orta and Kalvin Phillips.
He knew it was over for him at the famous Yorkshire stadium.
And while there was a massive contrast to his crazy celebrations after our final day win over Brentford, that showed just how much this club means to him and adds some more context to his sombre mood after the draw with Brighton.
Raphinha is Leeds through and through, despite being a Brazilian who only arrived in the UK a couple of years ago.
And while we’ll be sad to see him go, we’ll be happy for him too.
Who are we to say one of our best players shouldn’t join Barcelona?
He’ll absolutely tear up Spanish football, win silverware and could even forge himself into a club legend at the Nou Camp.
While we have some doubts about the veracity of Sport’s update on Raphinha, we do feel as though it’s just a matter of time before he’s gone.
In other Leeds United news, an official announcement is pending for the Whites to seal this major new signing.