Robbie Fowler has told The Express that Leeds United Football Club (LUFC) and Victor Orta have made a mistake in selling both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in the same transfer window – with Raphinha now expected to join Barcelona.
Phillips, 26, has penned a five-year deal at Manchester City for an initial £42million, rising to £45million with add-ons. Meanwhile, Barcelona have finally agreed to stump up the necessary cash to land Raphinha from Leeds.
In the meantime, Leeds have been busy. They have completed six summer signings, in the form of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Rasmus Kristensen and Darko Gyabi – all for a combined figure of £95million.
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But ex-Leeds striker Fowler believes that despite signing six players for the price Leeds may rake in for two, is a mistake. He feels losing their two best players will be hard to come back from during the 2021-22 campaign.
“From a Leeds point of view, yes [letting go of both players is a mistake],” Fowler told The Express. “You want to keep hold of your good players. Man City have signed a great player [in Phillips].
“The price they paid for him is relatively cheap for an England international, we’ve seen in the past how expensive some of those players are. A bit of money for Leeds and hopefully they can strengthen in other areas as well.”
Fowler: Selling Raphinha and Phillips in same window a mistake
What Fowler has missed, is that Leeds have instantly bought well. Adams is a top player and while he might not be on the level of Phillips, the Whites have also landed Roca – for a combined £30million.
They have money left over and brought in two excellent midfielders to replace Phillips. Colombia international Sinisterra is Raphinha’s replacement, and the £25million arrival comes in after a wonderful season with Feyenoord.
Yes, selling both players could be a blow. But ultimately, both were never going to stay after finishing 17th. Leeds have bought well and now it is up to Jesse Marsch to get his new-look squad to gel quickly.
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