Christian Falk has been speaking to the Bayern Insider podcast about Raphinha and Leeds, after West Ham submitted a bid.
What’s the story?
Well, Falk claims that West Ham bid €50m (£42m) for the Brazilian in January, an offer Leeds decided to reject.
The German journalist was discussing the topic on the Bayern Insider podcast as Raphinha is also said to be on Bayern Munich’s radar.
Interestingly, Falk believes Leeds want to focus on staying in the Premier League, and then they will negotiate a deal for the 25-year-old.
He said: “I understand that there was an unlikely West Ham bid of €50m (£42m) this winter, and they still couldn’t get him out.
“There’s €50m (£42m) for them if they stay in the Premier League, and that’s a fly in the ointment, so they would rather stay in the league and collect all the TV money. Then, in the summer they will negotiate.”
Now, we’d be very surprised if that was true.
So far this season, Raphinha has shone for both Leeds and Brazil.
The Leeds No.10 has scored eight Premier League goals, while also netting two goals in his first five outings for Brazil.
Leeds wouldn’t sell Raphinha to West Ham
We can’t believe West Ham actually bid for Raphinha – there was no chance of Leeds selling their talisman to a Premier League rival in January.
In our view, there is also no chance that Leeds will actively look to entertain talks with other sides for the South American forward.
As things stand, Leeds have an incredibly valuable asset on their hands.
Aged just 25, Raphinha is in the prime of his career, and he’s also now announcing himself on the global stage with Brazil.
Should he hit double figures for goals in the Premier League this term – which he should achieve – then Leeds can justifiably demand at least £80m for their £17m signing.
Unless he actively pushes to leave Elland Road, we can’t see the former Rennes attacker leaving Yorkshire in 2022.
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