It is of little surprise to see Raphinha linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Leeds were never entertaining the idea of losing the Brazilian in January, but The Athletic understands that the club are expecting to receive strong interest for their most prized assets including Illan Meslier, Raphinha or Kalvin Phillips in the summer. Losing any of that trio would be a crushing prospect for fans in the short term, but one that could ultimately present a net positive with the opportunity to reinvest a large transfer fee into the playing squad.
Crucially, Leeds would ensure that any potential sale would be on their own terms. Raphinha’s contract currently runs until the summer of 2024, and the club are in negotiations with him about an improved deal, which they are hopeful of reaching an agreement on.
Raphinha’s outstanding recent display against West Ham was a perfect example of his qualities, but it is worth digging a little deeper into the contribution that the Brazilian has made to garner such attention from Europe’s elite.And if a sale were to materialise in the summer, which clubs would be most suitable for his playing profile?
Raphinha has been an instant hit at Elland Road since making the £17 million move from Rennes, and was widely tipped as one of the best-value signings of the 2020-21 season — with his maiden
