West Yorkshire is looking increasingly more likely to see Raphinha again before Barcelona does based on the rate at which this transfer saga is dragging out. The second tranche of Leeds United’s squad returned to begin pre-season in the city yesterday and Australia is looming large.
The squad is scheduled to fly out to Gold Coast on the morning of July 10 and if the Brazilian remains registered to Elland Road, he will be on that flight. After another weekend of meek developments from the Nou Camp, which included comments from president Joan Laporta, Chelsea remain unbeaten with the best offer on the table.
Crucially, the Blues are standing firm with an offer which presents a sizeable percentage of the fee up front for the Whites. While that is to United’s liking, it’s evident Raphinha and Deco are not yet sold on Stamford Bridge.
