West Ham United have reportedly been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Raphinha, with Leeds United knocking back their £50 million offer.
If reports from 90 min are to be believed, West Ham United have been dealt with a fresh blow in their pursuit of Raphinha. The Hammers had fancied the Leeds United star as an ideal candidate in David Moyes’s bid to add more quality in the offensive department. They had even followed up their interest by tabling £50 million.
The Londoners were willing to fork out £40 million in cash while an additional £10 million was set to be paid through performance-related add-ons. However, it appears Leeds United have knocked back their offer for the explosive winger and are keen on keeping him at the club beyond the summer.
Formerly of Stade Rennais, Raphinha initially arrived at Leeds United in the summer of 2020. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League, racking up 15 goal involvements in his first season at the club. He has continued to mesmerise the onlookers with his pace, trickery and dynamism in the new season, scoring eight goals to boot.
The Brazilian’s current deal at Leeds United does not expire until 2024. But given his performances in the Premier League, the Whites are going to have a hard time keeping hold of his services. The winger was already courted by clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, and it appears West Ham have become the latest club to join the race.
It is no secret David Moyes is looking for attacking reinforcements in the market, someone who can complement Michail Antonio in the final third. Raphinha, to that end, could be an ideal option due to his pace and trickery on the flanks that could go a long way in enhancing the creativity in the attack.
However, with Leeds United prepared to offer full resistance in their bid to keep hold of the Brazilian international, and with interest from other big clubs across England, a move to the London Stadium appears unlikely for Raphinha.
The Hammers have not had much luck in the pursuit of January target Hugo Ekitike either, but there might be a breakthrough in the race to sign Rhys Healey. The Toulouse FC forward has been identified as a potential alternative for Ekitike, and it won’t be surprising to see the Englishman returning to the England to serve as a deputy for Antonio during the second half of the campaign.
