Stephen Warnock has claimed that Raphinha’s future is a ‘big one’ for Leeds United and suggested that he has ‘already agreed a contract’ at Barcelona.
The former left-back made it clear that, if Raphinha is sold, then Leeds have to make sure a replacement is brought in beforehand, as he told the Football Show on Sky Sports.
On the last day of the Premier League season, Raphinha netted from the spot, as Leeds secured their safety in the Premier League.
If the Whites had dropped down to the Championship, then there would have been no doubt that Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips would have left.
Whilst fans will have a glimmer of hope that they stay, Warnock had this to stay regarding the Brazil star’s future.
“I think the big one is Raphinha,” said Warnock. “There is a lot of talk that there is Barcelona in the wings. And he’s already agreed a contract.
“If he goes, he goes and he has been incredible for Leeds over the last few seasons.
“But you have to command a decent fee for him. And you don’t sell him until you have a replacement.
“Until someone is through that door pretty much, because they need strength. They need numbers through the door and big investment.”
RAPHINHA MORE LIKELY TO LEAVE THAN PHILLIPS
Given the talk about Raphinha and Phillips’ future, if Leeds fans had a choice, they would probably keep their hard-hitting midfielder over the wing wizard.
At the end of the day, Phillips has been at the club the longest, perhaps more important than Raphinha and he is also the boyhood fan.
But, either way, if the winger does leave for Barcelona, then the club need to try and at least double the £17 million (BBC Sport) they paid for him from Rennes in 2020.
One thing that can’t be argued is that he has been sensational since the day Leeds signed him up and a big reason as to why they are still in England’s top-flight.
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