Transfer Expert Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha are unlikely to be at Elland Road come the start of next season. That is, after the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa on Sunday.
Phillips, 26, and Raphinha, 25, are at the stages of their careers where they are likely to feel they have eclipsed playing for a club in a Premier League relegation battle. Phillips, though, has been injured for the last four months.
Sitting in 16th, Leeds are just two points above the relegation zone – and after conceding 14 goals in three games, Marsch has replaced Bielsa. Raphinha and Phillips will be crucial in keeping Leeds up come May.
But the chances of them remaining at the club, with Premier League and European heavyweights showing their interest, is unlikely – when 2022-23 starts. Jones says he has been told that both players will leave this summer.
“Sadly for Leeds fans, the Bielsa exit is not the only one they will be sorrowing this year. From what I’m hearing, the chances of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha staying beyond this season are slim-to-none,” Jones said.
Jones on Raphinha, Phillips: What can Leeds do to keep both players?
Talks are said to be underway with the representatives of both players. Phillips, one would think, is more likely to remain given his connection to Leeds and the fact that they are in the Premier League.
Relegation obviously changes that. Both would go, and potentially a raft of other first-team stars. What Leeds could do, with Raphinha especially, is agree a new deal that includes a reasonable release clause.
It removes the promise of a transfer saga. Leeds agree to a reachable fee, and if it is met, Raphinha can go. For Phillips, there might be a bit more emotion involved. Leeds fans will want to keep their academy product.
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