Barcelona transfer target Raphinha, valued at around €50 million, has claimed that his future is entirely in the hands of Leeds United and his agent, Deco.
Speaking to the media while on international duty with Brazil, Leeds United winger Raphinha has provided an update on his future at Elland Road amidst strong links with Barcelona.
Raphinha signed for Leeds United from French club Rennes in the summer of 2020 and has been a major success at the Yorkshire-based outfit. The 25-year-old enjoyed a promising debut season in England, helping Leeds maintain their Premier League status with comfort.
And he had another fine campaign on a personal note this past season, even as the Whites struggled with their relegation battle. Raphinha finished the season with 11 goals and three assists, playing a critical role in Leeds avoiding the drop back to the EFL Championship by the skin of their teeth.
Raphinha’s progression over the past couple of years in England has attracted a lot of interest from clubs within England and outside. Barcelona, for one, have emerged as one of the winger’s strongest suitors heading into the summer transfer window.
Raphinha: "I have a contract with Leeds until 2024. My future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds. Now I am focused on the National Team. My agent is the one who resolves the issues of my future…. When something is closed, he will inform me." pic.twitter.com/fwTnlisQz8
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 4, 2022
The Catalan giants are in the market for a new winger to replace Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract at the end of this month and is closing in on a free transfer move to Paris Saint-Germain.
It has been reported that Barcelona have even had an opening offer for the 25-year-old winger rejected by Leeds United. Providing an update on his future heading into the summer, Raphinha has now admitted that he is bound by a contract with Leeds until 2024 and the decision over his next move will be in their hands.
“I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, so my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds,” he said while on national team duty with Brazil, as quoted by MARCA. “My mind is on the national team, on the upcoming matches and on my holidays. I have a contract with Leeds and this issue will have to be discussed with my agent. When something happens, he’ll tell me.”
The report states that Raphinha is valued at around €50 million by Leeds United. Considering Barcelona’s financial situation, it remains to be seen if they can meet the 25-year-old’s price tag this summer.
