Barcelona and Raphinha have reportedly reached an agreement over personal terms amid interest from PSG in the Leeds United talisman.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Raphinha has taken a step closer towards joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window, with the two parties agreeing on personal terms. The Leeds United talisman is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain, according to Daily Mail, with the Whites demanding £60 million for his signature.
Raphinha joined Leeds United from Stade Rennais in October 2020 and took little time to establish himself as a key figure for the then newly-promoted Premier League outfit. After playing a key role in the Whites’ top-half finish last season, the Brazilian international has carried the burden of guiding them away from the relegation zone this term.
The 25-year-old has garnered a solid tally of nine goals and three assists in 27 Premier League appearances thus far. But with some of the most high profile clubs keen on signing him in the summer transfer window, Raphinha looks set to leave Leeds United ahead of the 2022/23 season. Two of his prospective suitors are Barcelona and PSG.
Barcelona could be forced into the market for a wide-attacker in the summer transfer window, as Ousmane Dembele might depart from Camp Nou as a free agent. While the French international is reportedly inclined to sign a new contract, his wage demands might scupper Barcelona’s hopes of securing his long-term future.
Raphinha has thus emerged as a viable target for the Blaugrana, with an offer already tabled. That said, Leeds United have already knocked back the bid, demanding £60 million in exchange for his services. In the meantime, Barcelona and Raphinha have reached an agreement over personal terms, although PSG will provide stiff competition to the Catalan giants.
The £60 million price tag keeps PSG in contention to sign Raphinha, as Barcelona could find it hard to afford meeting the valuation. And Les Parisiens will need to delve into the market for a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who could join Real Madrid on a Bosman move. To that end, PSG will look to bring Raphinha back to Ligue 1 in the summer.
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With Raphinha keen on joining Barcelona, PSG might need to step up in the pursuit of the Brazilian international, especially to turn the player’s head. The French giants should be able to afford the £60 million price tag, which makes for an interesting turn of events.