Jonathan Woodgate feels Raphinha showed why ‘teams all over the world’ are looking into summer transfers as Leeds United visited Watford, he said on BBC Radio 5 Live (9/4 15:23).
The Brazilian broke the deadlock at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon after 21 minutes with his 10th of the season. Dan James easily won a 50-50 battle on the edge of the box to feed Raphinha, who shaped to shoot unchallenged and placed the ball into the top corner.
Ben Foster had no chance at saving the 25-year-old’s effort, as he sent a dummy glancing to the far post. Samir also offered the Hornets ace no protection, after his poor clearance saw the ball fall invitingly for James. The Welsh winger moved to five assists this season.
Raphinha had failed to score in any of his previous six Premier League appearances before Leeds visited Watford. He last found the net on February 20 during the Whites’ 2-4 defeat at home to Manchester United. The Red Devils hit had been his only strike in 2022 so far.
Yet Raphinha is a highly in-demand commodity ahead of the summer transfer sales when Leeds will face pressure to sell. Fabrizio Romano claims Liverpool remain keen on a move for seven-cap star. But his agent, Deco, is in talks with Barcelona over a switch to Spain.
Additionally, UOL report the Camp Nou giants have a deal to 2027 on the table. Leeds have also told Barcelona that they will not accept anything below £40m for Raphinha’s transfer.
Woodgate feels Raphinha showed why ‘teams all over the world’ want Leeds star
Woodgate feels the quality Raphinha produced to score at Watford showed why Barcelona and Liverpool are exploring the Leeds forward ahead of the summer transfer window. The Whites’ £17m arrival from Rennes in 2020 totally captivated the former England defender.
“Quality from Raphinha,” Woodgate enthused. “That is why teams all over the world are looking at this player. An outstanding touch; lined it up perfectly. He places it in the back of the net, Ben Foster has absolutely no chance; what a finish.”
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