Italian journalist Gianluca Longari has claimed on Twitter that Liverpool and Manchester United have been joined by Manchester City in the race to sign in-form Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, as the Brazilian continues to shine in what is his first season in English football. Clocking up 26 Premier League appearances this season, the winger has had a hand in 12 goals for the Whites – scoring six and creating six.
Victor Orta pulled off one of the best signings of the 2020-21 campaign when Leeds completed a last-minute move to lure the Brazilian wide man to Elland Road from Rennes – despite the French side qualifying for the Champions League. His pace, trickery, creativity, work rate and eye for goal has caught the eye of Leeds supporters – but also, as it seems, other Premier League clubs as the summer transfer window approaches.
Moments such as his beautiful curling effort during a 5-0 win over West Brom, his turn and shot from the best part of 25 yards to beat Everton 1-0 – and his genius moment of skill against Gary Cahill in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace are fond memories in a season which Leeds fans will remember forever. Right now, a hematoma is preventing Raphinha from playing – missing the last three games. He could be absent on Saturday against Spurs.
Raphinha has a contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2024. With Portugal and Barcelona icon Deco his agent, the Brazilian is expected to remain at Leeds for at least another season – coming out earlier this campaign to state that he is happy and has settled in well. But, Premier League heavyweights continue to be linked and now – Liverpool and Manchester United have been joined by Manchester City.
That is, of course, according to TV Dello Sport journalist Longari: