Speculation over the future of Raphinha has intensified in recent weeks with Barcelona said to be hot on the heels of the Leeds United man. The Catalan side are reportedly in advanced talks with Raphinha’s agent Deco and will now need to come to an agreement with Leeds over a fee.
Leeds are likely to demand a high price for the Brazilian, who has been superb for the Whites since his £17 million arrival from Rennes in 2020. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona possess the necessary financial muscle to complete the deal, with a fee of £62 million being reported.
If Leeds manage to secure their Premier League status, Victor Orta and company will know there is a huge level of pressure on their shoulders to sign an adequate replacement. So with that in mind, here is a look at five potential players they could target.
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Brenden Aaronson
While Brenden Aaronson plays as more of a central attacking midfielder for RB Salzburg, in Jesse Marsch’s 4-2-2-2 system he would slot into the position Raphinha currently occupies. Leeds went in strongly for Aaronson in the January window and after failing to persuade Salzburg to sell, will likely return for him this summer.
Aaronson has also often featured as a winger for USA in his appearances for them, making his versatility perfect for Leeds. The 21-year-old has worked under Marsch before, making this a deal that could well happen.
Jeremy Doku
Jeremy Doku was effectively the man who replaced Raphinha at Rennes, so why not make lightning strike twice? At just 19, Doku has been linked to some big clubs across Europe, though he is still relatively raw meaning Leeds could be the perfect next step in his career.
He has already been capped on 10 occasions by the Belgium senior team and he is someone who causes defenders nightmares with his phenomenal pace. Doku can play on either the right or left wing and would provide Marsch with a fantastic option on the counterattack.
Noa Lang
Another player Leeds have been linked with in the past that they could return for is Club Brugge’s Noa Lang. He is enjoying another good season in the Belgian League. Lang is among the list of wingers the Whites were keen on signing last summer, though they instead opted for Dan James.
Lang has scored six goals and provided 11 assists in the league this season and has the ability to play both out wide and central, making him very suitable for Marsch’s 4-2-2-2.
Abde Ezzalzouli
Perhaps a more risky, out of the box option is Barcelona winger Abde Ezzalzouli, who has featured several times for the club’s first team this season. The 20-year-old has been floating between Barca’s B and senior side throughout the campaign but made a decent impression in his 10 appearances in La Liga.
Ez Abde is a still relatively raw talent but is excellent at dribbling and can play on either wing. With several top players now ahead of him in the pecking order, he may have to move on for regular top level football.
Ryan Kent
It is somewhat of a surprise that Ryan Kent never ended up at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa given how highly the Argentine rated him. Kent was linked with a move several times during Bielsa’s reign and speculation ahead of a potential summer move has resurfaced again in recent days.
Kent has just 15 months left to run on his deal at Ibrox and can play either out wide or in the number 10 position. The 25-year-old has three goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season and could fill the creative void left by Raphinha.
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