Leeds star Raphinha is a top target for Barcelona and now president Joan Laporta has confirmed their interest in the Brazil winger.
The Spanish giants are planning an overhaul of their squad and Raphinha is their No 1 objective. Barcelona have very close relations with Raphinha’s agent Deco and speak regularly to their former player.
Laporta claims Deco has given them “great reports” on Raphinha as that the Portuguese is someone “who has helped us a lot”. Laporta name checked Raphinha unprompted on Catalan Radio Station RAC 1 when discussing Barcelona’s summer targets in a sign that his transfer is a deal they are actively discussing.
“Raphinha is a great player,” said Laporta. “We have got great reports on him from. Deco has his job and informs us of details so we don’t make mistakes and he is someone who has helped us a lot.”
Barcelona hope to offload top earners like Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho to help fund a move for Raphinha. Laporta also claimed Barcelona had two Bosman signings lined up for the summer - a centre-half and a midfielder.
“We have two signings lined up, maybe a centre-back and a midfielder,” he said. “Yes, it could be a central defender and a midfielder, yes.” Leeds were already well aware of Barcelona’s interest in Raphinha before Laporta went public.
They understand the appeal of Barcelona to any player, but are adamant they will not let him leave Elland Road in any cut-price deal. Reports in Spain claim Barcelona are prepared to offer around £33.5million or 40 million euros for Raphinha.
This sum would not come close to meetings Leeds’ valuation if they did reluctantly decide to cash in on Raphinha and it is understood they would want nearly double that amount. Sources close to Barcelona claim the Catalan side are confident of agreeing personal terms with Raphinha, but that will only be one half of the deal and he will not be leaving without Leeds’ blessing.
Leeds believe they are in a strong bargaining position and Raphinha has two years left on the deal he signed when he joined for £17million from Rennes in October 2020. Critically, the South America’s contract does not contain an escape clause in the Premier League.
Leeds have offered Raphinha, 25, improved terms to reflect his status as one of the club’s biggest stars and director of football Victor Orta has had a number of meetings with Deco. They want to offer him a substantial pay rise to make him one of their best-paid players.
Deco is understood to want an escape clause in any new deal and the two sides are at odds over this figure. These negotiations are at a standstill and Leeds do not expect any movement until they secure their Premier League status for next season.
Leeds have also received inquires about Raphinha from a number of top sides and West Ham claim they made an offer in January, while Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City have shown interest previously. Leeds are relaxed about Raphinha’s situation because the Samba star is settled at Elland Road and is not agitating for a move this summer.
