Raphinha’s Leeds United future looks set to remain up in the air for much of the summer transfer window. Talk continues to rage on regarding where he will be playing his football in the 2022/23 season after playing a vital role in ensuring his current side would be playing in the Premier League again next term.
There will still be slim hope within the Whites fanbase that he has not yet played his last game in the famous white shirt. Although, they will have to see off plenty of interest for him to play for Leeds again.
Initially, it looked like Barcelona were primed to sign the Brazil international as soon as the season finished but it is unclear whether the Spanish giants have the financial capabilities to agree such a deal. According to Fabrizio Romano's, Leeds ‘have no intention’ of accepting anything less than €55m for their star man.
READ MORE: Three transfer options Leeds United could target with Raphinha money
The well-respected transfer insider explained that a move to Camp Nou is Raphinha’s priority and has been since February. However, Romano added that a potential deal is still not close between the two involved clubs.
He claimed that other clubs are preparing to join the race for Raphinha’s signature which would only increase Victor Orta’s bargaining power. If those other clubs were to be fellow Premier League clubs then it would likely add a premium to the €55m that Leeds are said to be looking for.
Selling to an English rival will not be the preference of those in charge at Elland Road or of the supporters. Fans are totally understanding that Raphinha might want to pursue a move in order to play at Champions League level but the last thing they want to see is the 25-year-old lining up against them in the Premier League.
For that reason, they would rather see him join Barcelona but the finances being mentioned currently seem to be out of the reach of the Spanish giants whose money troubles have been well-documented. If Xavi is able to offload some of the so-called deadwood in his squad this summer, he may still return with a more respectable bid for the Leeds star.
