Juan Medina, a journalist for the Spanish chain of popular website 90Min, has reported on Twitter that Leeds United ace Raphinha has told his friends that he wants to leave Elland Road and join Barcelona.
Raphinha, 25, won and scored a penalty in our stunning late win over Brentford on Sunday. A win that saw Leeds guarantee Premier League football for a third consecutive season, as Burnley lost to Newcastle.
It was the Brazil international’s 11th goal of the season. Raphinha has constantly been linked with a move to Barcelona this season, not least because his agent is ex-Barcelona and Portuguese legend Deco.
Now, Medina has delivered an update on the situation surrounding Raphinha and Barcelona. He says talks are ongoing between all parties involved, and that Raphinha has told those close to him he wants to go.
His Tweet is translated as: “Update. Contacts for Raphinha do not stop, quite the opposite. The player has notified those around him that he wants to play for Barcelona. Xavi likes him. He leaves, or Dembele stays.”
Leeds ace Raphinha has told friends he wants to join Barcelona
It is a move that has been expected by all with a Leeds connection for some time now, relegation or not. While he was the middle of celebration in West London on Sunday, a move is still likely.
What may stutter a move now, is that Raphinha will not have a £21million clause in his deal – due to survival. Instead, Barcelona will have to meet our asking price – or his current release clause, £64million (SPORT).
While Barcelona may struggle to meet the asking price, Raphinha is now seemingly pushing for a move. It might help Leeds agree to an exit, even if Barcelona do not pay the full figure.
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