Leeds United have rejected an opening offer from Barcelona for the transfer of Raphinha this summer, but the Camp Nou outfit remain optimistic over signing the Brazilian winger.
That’s according to Sport, who report the Blaugrana submitted a €35m (£29m) bid as Xavi Hernandez targets Ousmane Dembele’s replacement. The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season and is most likely to leave Catalunya, with Paris Saint-Germain keen.
Barcelona are determined to future proof their side before Dembele’s deal expires, so set out to secure Raphinha’s transfer from Leeds. He has halted all discussions with the West Yorkshire outfit over a new contract and told his agent, Deco, to secure a move to La Liga.
Raphinha wants to wear the Barcelona jersey next season, two years after a £17m transfer to Leeds from Rennes. But the Whites have instructed the Blaugrana they must trigger his €75m (£62.5m) release clause for Xavi to welcome the nine-goal, three-assist star to Spain.
Camp Nou chiefs remain optimistic that they can agree a deal with United for the 25-year-old’s services this summer. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also interested in his possible availability. But the English and German giants trail their La Liga counterpart in any pursuit.
Barcelona plan fresh talks with Leeds after seeing £29m Raphinha bid rejected
Barcelona will hold further talks with Leeds over the coming weeks to try and negotiate a lesser sum for Raphinha’s proposed transfer. The forward’s stance on a move to the Camp Nou and their desire for his arrival offers club chiefs confidence that a deal will be struck.
United will be loath to let the seven-cap dynamo leave Elland Road at the end of the term in a discount deal. He is their talisman and has continually offered the brightest spark this season, to keep the West Yorkshire outfit fighting a possible Premier League relegation.
But Barcelona are testing Leeds’ resolve as they target his transfer and so will Raphinha, it appears. UOL, while noting Newcastle United submitted a £35m bid in January, report the forward will not sign a new deal at Elland Road unless the Whites lower his release clause.
So, the Blaugrana upping their offer for the winger Paul Merson calls ‘unbelievable’ could spark his exit. Leeds will surely be especially averse to rejecting their offers if Jesse Marsch cannot avoid their relegation from the top-flight and fall back down to the Championship.
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