Leeds United did not want to sell Raphinha to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to The Athletic.
The Athletic have reported that Manchester United wanted sign the Brazil international winger from Premier League rivals Leeds United in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils had the 25-year-old on their wishlist, but he eventually moved to Barcelona this summer.
The Athletic have reported that Leeds ‘had no interest in selling to such a fierce rival and they knew the Brazilian – described as “an exciting player” and “special” by the club’s Director of Football Victor Orta on COPE’s Great Match show this month – would not demand that move’.
Raphinha from Leeds United to Manchester United was always unlikely
In our view, it was always unlikely that Leeds United would sell Raphinha to Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
Yes, there have been transfers from Leeds to the Red Devils in the past, but we do not think that the current regime would be open to such deals.
Moreover, a Leeds player thinking of a switch to the Red Devils now will be well aware of the intense rivalry that exists between the two clubs and the backlash he would face from the fans, especially on social media.
Like Manchester United, Barcelona are one of the biggest and most historic clubs in the world, and Raphinha could flourish at Camp Nou.
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