Tony Dorigo has ordered Leeds United to spend the cash on offer from selling Raphinha to Barcelona to fund an ‘obvious’ rebuild of Jesse Marsch’s side in the summer transfer sales.
The Elland Road hero has noted in his Yorkshire Evening Post column that Marsch will have to make wholesale changes. He believes the American adopted a side from Marcelo Bielsa that is seriously lacking bodies across the pitch and needs strengthening in multiple areas.
Injuries have highlighted the lack of depth Bielsa built in West Yorkshire during his years at the helm. Patrick Bamford has only featured in nine Premier League games this season and has played four times since September. Kalvin Phillips has also not played since December.
So, should Leeds grant Raphinha a transfer to Barcelona, Dorigo wants his former side to spend the funds wisely. But the former Whites full-back also hopes the Elland Road outfit only allow the Brazilian to leave for Catalunya on their terms and not in a hurried swoop.
Dorigo orders Leeds spend Raphinha cash in Barcelona move on ‘obvious’ rebuild
Reports by Sport note the Blaugrana are continuing in their pursuit of the winger with an improved €50m (£42.25m) deal. The Camp Nou giants have tabled an initial €40m (£34m), plus €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons, in an attempt to meet the Whites’ non-relegation valuation.
With Leeds dropping down into the Championship, Raphinha will then be available for just €25m (£21m) through a release clause. A figure below Barcelona’s opening offer of €35m (£29.5m) that Leeds rejected last week, per Sport, despite Raphinha pushing for a transfer.
Given Raphinha’s vital role at Elland Road with nine goals and three assists this season so far, plus all the injuries, Dorigo is ardent Leeds must box smart in the event of his transfer.
“What’s important, when he leaves, is that it’s done on the club’s terms,” Dorigo wrote. “That’s the when, and the how much, if Leeds do decide that selling is the best option for them. Then comes the reinvestment, which will be needed.
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“There’s no doubt, looking at the squad we’ve got, the numbers we’ve got, there’s a rebuild to be done in the summer. We need to bring in more bodies, that’s obvious.”
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