Phil Hay has reported in The Athletic on Monday that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa held ‘private’ talks with Raphinha last week. It came after the Brazilian was hooked at half-time against Everton.
Indeed, the 25-year-old was poor during the 3-0 loss to Everton and replaced at half-time. Perhaps, as a result of that performance or said talks, he was benched against Manchester United – coming on at half-time.
The Brazil international was much-improved compared to his recent performances in the second half of Sunday’s 4-2 defeat – sliding home his ninth Premier League goal of the season to make it 2-2 at Elland Road.
He could do little to stop United winning 4-2 eventually, but Leeds fans have since criticised the decision to oust him from the starting line-up – in light of the result. Hay reports that the two held talks in the middle of last week.
“He and Bielsa spoke privately in midweek about the decision to sacrifice the Brazilian early at Goodison Park but Bielsa’s mind was made up about what to do next and his starting line-up on Sunday was sans Raphinha.”
Raphinha, Bielsa talks: Is this the beginning of the end for Leeds star?
Raphinha has constantly been linked with a move to a bigger club of late. Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and plenty of other big clubs are said to be interested in the player Leeds bought from Rennes for just £17million.
Little surprise. Raphinha has outgrown Leeds and should a big offer come in for the winger in the summer, the chances are Leeds could sell – whether they stay up or not. He has a contract at Elland Road until June 2024.
Raphinha has looked disinterested of late and while Bielsa’s decision to drop him might have provoked a reaction, it does seem that end is nigh for Raphinha in a Leeds shirt. A decent offer, and the club could accept.
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