Raphinha stands ready to wait for an offer from Barcelona despite interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal
Leeds United winger Raphinha Belloli appears to be Barcelona’s main alternative to Ousmane Dembele. The Brazilian’s contract runs until 2024 and many top Premier League clubs are interested in the player.
According to the Spanish media, the Catalans intend to launch a transfer of the Brazilian if the French midfielder decides not to renew his contract and leave the club.
Raphinha himself also believes a move to the Blaugrana is the best option for him and therefore he is not negotiating with other clubs yet. He is ready to wait for Barcelona to receive the necessary resources for the transfer as long as necessary, even knowing that he can earn much more in other teams.
Deku, Diaz’s agent, will meet with representatives of the Spanish vice-champions next week to find out how serious their intentions are. Also, it is worth considering the structure of the deal, perhaps trying to split the repayment into several instalments. So far, no formal offers have been received from Joan Laporta and Co.
The possibility of the winger staying at Leeds until after the World Cup cannot be excluded.
Leeds are in a slippery situation at the moment, with the club barely managing to stay in the Elite thanks to a win in their last game of the season. The team’s leaders, Raphinha and Phillips became heroes of the season. At this point, the players are more than ripe to level up, as is evident from their play. Now, as in the case of Kalvin Phillips, negotiations over the Brazilian’s new contract have stalled. But even if they continue, he will clearly want to see a buyout amount in the agreement that will allow top clubs to activate it.
In fact, if Barcelona had the funds for Raphinha, he would have moved to Spain as early as tomorrow, as the management deeply admire the talent of a player who fits perfectly into the club’s system. Rumours of heightened interest from Xavi himself have been lingering since the spring.
Presumably, this very Yourkshir`s relegation escape has very seriously spoiled plans for Barca, as they were preparing to buy the player at a discounted price. Now, they need to find a possibility to get this player somehow – the price tag is too high, Leeds are not going to let the Brazilian, a systemically important player, go easily. In fact, a year ago Barcelona was on the verge of bankruptcy. What goes on behind the scenes at the club is a very interesting question.
Liverpool, Chelsea (if Dembele does not go to the Blues) and Arsenal are among other interested clubs. They are putting pressure on Raphinha in the hope that he will make a decision as soon as possible.
“Raphinha deal. Barcelona have full agreement with his agent Deco since February on a five-year deal but Leeds want €55m, no plan to change their price tag. Barça needs to be fast as Premier League clubs are back in the race, including Arsenal – but no bid submitted yet.”
reports Fabrizio Romano.
Moreover, Barcа are also considering a free transfer of Angel Di Maria after the 34-year-old confirmed he would leave PSG after seven years in the French capital. For Xavi, such an option is more realistic, especially if the Argentine accepts a pay cut.
As for Ousmane Dembele himself, the French forward is far from signing a new contract with the Blues-Grenadines, and the whole situation already looks hopeless. It is highly likely that the Catalans will lose the 25-year-old player for free this summer – the winger moved to the Camp Nou five years ago from Borussia Dortmund for £135m. Another tragic twist in line with Coutinho situation.
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- The 25-year-old joined Leeds United from Stade Rennais FC for €18.6m. His market value is now estimated at €45m.
- He has scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in 66 games during his stay in England.