Raphinha is on Barcelona’s summer shopping list - and now his fellow Brazilian and Nou Camp legend Ronaldinho has had his say on his future.
Barcelona are in talks with Raphinha’s agent Deco about his personal terms should he move, and believe they are close to an agreement. Barca have yet to make any formal contact with Leeds and Raphinha has no escape clause in his Elland Road contract as long as the club remain in the Premier League.
That looks increasingly likely after Leeds took seven points from their last nine games, meaning Barcelona will not get Raphinha on the cheap. They are reportedly prepared to offer around £33.5million - 40million euros - for the winger and while Leeds have not put an official price tag on his head, it is reasonable to suggest they would want almost twice that figure.
Now Ronaldinho has waded into the debate over Raphinha’s future and he says he would love to see him come to Barcelona. He feels Raphinha’s style would be perfect for La Liga and claims he would be joining the “best” and “biggest” club in the world if he moved to the Nou Camp.
"I would very much like him to come, he has a lot of quality,” said Ronaldinho. “He would fit in very well with Spanish football due to his playing characteristics.
“In my opinion, Barcelona is the best and the biggest club in the world. Very few have the opportunity to play for a club like Barcelona.”
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Leeds do not want to lose Raphinha this summer and have not given up hope of persuading him to agree new terms. Those negotiations began just before Christmas and have been on hold while Leeds secure their Premier League status.
The two sides are reportedly at odds over the value of Raphinha’s escape clause and the South American wants a smaller amount while Leeds want a larger sum. Raphinha has underlined his importance to Leeds by leading their survival fight and he is their top scorer in the Premier League this season with nine goals.
Leeds will look to him again in Saturday’s huge clash with Watford at Vicarage Road and boss Jesse Marsch has hinted he may also hand Kalvin Phillips his first start since December 5. Phillips came through the last quarter of Saturday’s draw against Southampton unscathed and Marsch says he has put himself in contention to start.
“For me he’s Leeds through and through in every way, from being here to the way he plays, to the way he handles himself, so big, big moment for us in our season to get him back and closer to full fitness,” said the American.
“That clearly that makes him a big possibility to play from the start next weekend.
“It will take some time to be 100 per cent, but I think his performance on Saturday was one we needed. We know what a quality player he is and what he means to the group.”
