Raphinha will reportedly prioritise a summer transfer to Barcelona, with the Catalan giants stepping up their efforts to land the Leeds United talisman.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha’s priority for the summer transfer window is to seal a transfer to Barcelona. The Catalan giants are reportedly stepping up their efforts to secure the services of the Leeds United talisman ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Raphinha has taken the Premier League by storm since joining Leeds United from Stade Rennais in October 2020. The Brazilian international’s debut campaign was a success, as he helped the Whites to a top-half finish. But he has taken his game to the next level in the ongoing campaign, singlehandedly leading Leeds’s relegation battle amid the absence of other pivotal figures.
The 25-year-old has ten goals and three assists in 31 Premier League appearances. But with Leeds not out of the woods yet, the uncertainties surrounding Raphinha’s future at Elland Road have been mounting in the last few weeks. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the precarious situation of Ousmane Dembele. While the French international is leaning towards extending his stay at Camp Nou, the two parties are yet to reach an agreement over a bumper new contract. But even if Dembele stays put at FC Barcelona, Raphinha remains a viable target.
That is because Adama Traore will unlikely rejoin Barcelona on a permanent deal, thereby creating a void in the offensive unit. And with Memphis Depay’s future also up in the air, signing a player like the Leeds United talisman will be a step in the right direction for Barcelona.
According to a recent report by the Daily Telegraph, the Catalan giants are set to intensify their efforts to secure the services of Raphinha. And Barcelona could easily trigger his €25 million release clause if Leeds United cannot avoid the drop, meaning the Blaugrana will be keenly following the Whites’ campaign in the coming weeks.
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For his part, Raphinha is determined to join Barcelona, with recent reports claiming that personal terms will not be an issue for Barcelona. It will be interesting to see if Leeds United can remain in the Premier League at the end of the season, making Barcelona’s job of signing Raphinha tougher.
