Fabrizio Romano has told CBS Sports’ Que Golazo podcast that Aston Villa will struggle to sign Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips – if Raphinha leaves Elland Road. It is looking more and more likely the Brazilian departs.
Raphinha, 25, is being strongly linked with a move to Barcelona this summer. Reports earlier this week, from Raphinha’s home country, state that his agent Deco met with Barcelona on Monday and Tuesday.
While Barcelona might struggle to afford Raphinha with Leeds looking more than likely to stay up – and therefore, the £25million relegation release clause not coming into play – Ousmane Dembele looks set to go.
His enormous wages will be wiped and it might give Barca the room to work a deal for Raphinha. Romano states that Leeds will be difficult to negotiate with, if Raphinha does go – as Leeds will not want to sell both.
“If they stay up, [Villa] negotiating with Leeds is not going to be an easy one [for Phillips]. Raphinha will have big opportunities to go, but they won’t sell two or three players. It has always been difficult to negotiate with Leeds.”
Romano on Phillips: Leeds star will not want to join Villa, this summer
Phillips has endured a difficult season, spending the last four months on the sidelines through injury. He finally made his return against Southampton from the bench on Saturday – but the England star has only played 16 times.
If Phillips is to leave, he will want to leave his boyhood club after a strong season – one where he has made a positive impact. Would changing club ahead of the World Cup be advisable? Probably not. Phillips should stay.
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