With interest intensifying from Europe’s elite clubs, it is looking increasingly likely that one or both of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips will leave Leeds United this summer. The club do not want to lose either, but understand both have the desire to play in Europe and challenge for titles - not to mention the inevitable pay-rise that comes with a move to a top club.
Phillips is touted for a move to Manchester City, with the Premier League champions keen on replacing Fernandinho and adding to the English core of the squad, while Arsenal have emerged as front-runners for Raphinha, despite seeing their first bid knocked back. And while many Leeds fans understandably want to keep both, history tells them that clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal usually land their man.
A realistic outlook for the summer would be that Leeds follow Leicester City’s proven model of selling one key asset and reinvesting the money into a replacement plus further strengthening. The club have already spent £45million on the signings of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca, and any more arrivals will likely be funded by the sale of one big-money player.
