Manchester United are interested in signing Raphinha from Leeds United, although they face stiff competition from Barcelona and Chelsea.
According to Gianluigi Longari, Manchester United have entered the race to sign Raphinha in the summer transfer window, with the winger preparing to leave Leeds United after the current season ends. Barcelona and Chelsea are also interested in signing him, setting up an intense battle.
Raphinha could be one of the most highly sought-after targets in the summer transfer window, with multiple clubs queueing up to make a move for the Brazilian international. The winger could depart Leeds United in the summer as he awaits a transfer to a bigger club.
There has been significant interest in the attacker since he set foot on English soil. His displays at Leeds and the maturity levels he displayed had Liverpool circling around him initially. However, with the Reds having many established wingers in their ranks, a move to Anfield may be unlikely, given how much the Brazilian might potentially cost.
Leeds were on hand to reject an offer from West Ham United in January, as they were hoping to convince the winger to sign a new deal. However, Raphinha has decided not to renew with the Yorkshire club thus far, meaning with his contract will expire in 2024, the Whites could cash in on him during the summer transfer window.
– #Barca still strong in #Raphinha race. #FCB
– #Chelsea obviously in stand by.
– Also Manchester United are following Leeds ace. #MUFC https://t.co/piu0lInbXu— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) March 14, 2022
In light of the current circumstances across many clubs, including Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, a likely transfer battle could be brewing. However, Chelsea’s transfer plans have been put on hold amid their ongoing crisis.
It leaves Barcelona and Manchester United as the front-runners to battle it out for Raphinha’s signature, as both sides may have a requirement for a wide-attacker in the summer. The Catalans could lose Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer, and considering how important the Frenchman’s position is for the club under Xavi Hernandez, a new right-sided attacker needs to be signed.
However, Manchester United could be looking at Raphinha’s availability as an opportunity to shore up their attacking options. Moreover, the Red Devils could lose two of their seasoned attackers in Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the summer, opening up space for a new player to join in.
Raphinha might be interested in sticking around in the Premier League and moving to a bigger club in England. As per the information mentioned by Gianluigi Longari, the Brazilian has a €75 million clause in his contract, which suitors can trigger at any point.
However, that clause will reduce to €25 million if Leeds United are relegated to the Championship. Clubs would certainly like a cut-price move. But Barcelona, Manchester United and others may have to wait until the end of the season to find out what it would take to sign the Brazilian winger.
