Cordial as the relationship has continued to be between Raphinha and Leeds United, patience must have worn particularly thin at times this summer. The Brazilian has wanted to join Barcelona and the Whites want the going rate for one of the world’s emerging stars of the game.
Sources at Elland Road have made it clear Raphinha has never been any trouble off the field as a Leeds player. There has been no posturing, no ego and no stroppy demands with a stamp of his talented feet.
Much like Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha could have made his summer passage far easier by downing tools and dragging his feet through United’s run-in. Relegation would have activated his release clause and his pictures at the Nou Camp would have been taken many weeks ago by now.
