Wants to leave Leeds United
FC Barcelona has apparently made further progress in recruiting Raphinha (25) from Leeds United and has booked a first partial success. As the Catalan newspaper “Sports” reported, there is an agreement between the Spanish top club and the attacker on a five-year contract. Although according to the report, Liverpool FC and Bayern Munich can continue to compete for the Brazilian and offer a higher salary, Raphinha is said to prefer the sporting project in Barcelona around coach Xavi.
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While the Blaugrana seem to have persuaded the international to make a move, according to Sport they fell through with an initial offer of €35m at Leeds United. The English club are said to be looking to extend Raphinha’s contract, which expires in 2024. According to the report, he rejected all offers to extend the contract and made it clear that he wanted to move to Barcelona in the summer. His advisor and former professional Deco, who worked for Barça between 2004 and 2008 and has remained with the club as a scout, should help him with this. The Portuguese would lobby for the ‘Peacocks’ accepting the Catalans’ next offer for Raphinha. As “Sport” speculates, defender Óscar Mingueza (22) could be included in a possible deal to facilitate negotiations.
Something else reports against it Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano: According to this, the Spaniards have not yet made an offer for the player to the English club. The reason for this is said to be the exit clause anchored in Raphinha’s contract, the amount of which varies in various media reports and is around 84 million euros according to the Brazilian online portal “UOL Esporte” or 75 million euros according to Romano. The latter reports that the release clause will only be as high if Leeds United hold their own in the Premier League, otherwise Raphinha could be had for €25m. The “Peacocks” are currently in 16th place with an eight-point lead over the non-relegation zone, but have played more games than their direct competition. Due to the unclear sporting performance, Barça would therefore hold back with an initial offer.
Torres new in top 10: Most expensive additions to FC Barcelona
Raphinha has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing nine goals and three assists. This season the Brazilian, who made his international debut last October, has increased his market value to €40m, sharing the status of Leeds United’s Most Valuable Player with Kalvin Phillips (26). Due to persistent rumors about the departure of the two players, ex-professional Rio Ferdinand (43) threatens to be replaced by the “Peacocks” as the most expensive sale in the club’s history.
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