Bayern Munich are reportedly closing in on the capture of Leeds United and Brazil winger Raphinha in a deal worth €50 million.
According to a report from Brazilian publication TNT Sports, Leeds United winger Raphinha is inching closer to a shock move to German champions Bayern Munich in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 25-year-old joined Leeds United last year from French outfit Rennes and was one of the Whites’ best players last season as they navigated comfortably through their first Premier League campaign in 16 years. Even though Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been below par this term, Raphinha has been performing well again, having already netted eight goals in 16 league games.
On the back of his impressive form for the Yorkshire-based outfit, Raphinha broke into the Brazilian national team in October this year and has scored two goals in five appearances. His rise in stature in England has not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs across the continent casting admiring glances towards the winger.
There have been reports of interest from Liverpool, AC Milan, while Newcastle United have also been linked with a shock swoop for the 25-year-old. However, as per the report mentioned above, Raphinha could be set for a transfer to Germany, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich poised to sign the Brazilian international.
The Bavarian giants have no shortage of attacking options in the wide areas, with Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman available at manager Julian Nagelsmann’s disposal. At the same time, Jamal Musiala can also feature out on the flanks if needed. But, of late, there have been concerns surrounding the future of Coman.
The Frenchman will be entering the final year of his contract with Bayern Munich at the end of the season, and talks over a new deal have not progressed well. With clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea keeping close tabs on his situation, there remains a chance that the ex-PSG star will be on the move at the end of the season.
And Bayern Munich have identified Raphinha as the replacement for Coman and are closing in on his signing, with a deal worth €50 million in the works. While reports in Brazil say that a move is imminent, local newspaper Yorkshire Evening Post claims that a January move to the Allianz Arena is unlikely for the 25-year-old, further adding that he remains in talks over a new contract with Leeds United.
It remains to be seen which of these claims are true, although it seems highly unlikely that Leeds would be willing to sell their best player midway through the campaign, especially when they are facing the threat of getting dragged into the relegation battle.
