Leeds 'tell Barcelona how to sign Raphinha' after responding to opening transfer offer

RAPHINHA could be on the move this summer after two seasons at Elland Road...

Posted Sunday, March 27, 2022 by Express.co.uk

Leeds have told Barcelona they must pay Raphinha's transfer release clause

Leeds have reportedly rejected Barcelona's opening offer for Raphinha and have told the Catalan giants they must pay his £62million release clause in full in order to complete a deal. The 25-year-old winger cost the Whites just £17m in October 2020 when they moved to agree a deadline day transfer with French club Rennes.

Since then, Raphinha's stock has skyrocketed with a host of spellbinding performances in West Yorkshire that have put his name up in lights.

Not only that but Raphinha has already made quite the impression in Brazil, netting three times in seven outings for the Selecao.

Understandably, the tricky dribbler is keen to test himself in the Champions League, something unlikely to be on offer at Leeds anytime soon.

Now, newly-appointed boss, Jesse Marsch has a real task on his hands to keep the club's star player.

Raphinha is thought to have shelved contract talks with Leeds until the end of the season when he is expected to consider his future.

Barcelona are now at the table and have reportedly offered Leeds £29million.

However, Spanish outlet SPORT - who were first to report the bid - say Leeds have told Barcelona they must pay his £62m release clause to land their target.

Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have also shown an interest in the former Sporting man.

Chelsea were thought to be at the front of the queue before the sanctions against Roman Abramovich saw him put the club up for sale.

The Blues could yet return if they are given the chance to sign players under new ownership this summer.

But once again, Leeds will point all potential suitors towards Raphinha's buy-out clause.

He does also have a relegation clause written into his contract at Elland Road, designed to protect his value.

If the Whites are relegated - something that now looks unlikely following back-to-back Premier League wins against Norwich and Wolves - Raphinha can be sold for just £20m.

Barcelona are looking to strike a deal via Raphinha's agent - Deco.

The former Champions 2004 Champions League winner with Porto spent four years at Barcelona during his playing days and has maintained a strong relationship with the club.

For that reason, Barca are considered to be the frontrunners for the 25-year-old.

Any deal could ultimately hinge on contract talks with Ousmane Dembele with Barcelona currently unlikely to exercise their option to buy Adama Traore from Wolves.