Raphinha will not rejoin Leeds United in the summer transfer window, with the Whites in no position to re-sign the Barcelona winger.
According to a report by Football Insider, a return to former club Leeds United is not on the cards for Raphinha. The Whites do not have the funds to re-sign the Barcelona winger, whose future is uncertain. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s £55 million summer signing is also a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.
Raphinha completed a dream move when he joined Barcelona from Leeds United in a deal worth £55 million. The Brazilian international snubbed Arsenal and Chelsea to seal the Barcelona deal. But he has endured a topsy-turvy ride since arriving at Spotify Camp Nou last summer.
The 26-year-old started the season well before enduring a few difficult months. But Raphinha’s stock has risen again since the turn of the year. And a tally of nine goals and nine assists is decent for a debut season. But the player’s long-term Barcelona future is uncertain amid links with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United.
Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard in the January transfer window to beef up the wide-attacking options. But the Belgian is primarily a left winger, leaving Bukayo Saka as the only option for the right flank. Raphinha has thus emerged as a viable target for Arsenal, who attempted to sign him in January.
As for Chelsea, the Blues have been keen on signing the £55 million Barcelona signing for well over a year. But the continued interest in the 26-year-old does not make sense, considering the number of wingers in the squad. However, with Graham Potter no longer at the helm, Chelsea might not remain interested in the player.
Recent reports have also linked the Brazilian international with a return to Leeds United. But rejoining his former club is not on the cards for him. That is because the Whites are in no position to afford to secure Raphinha’s services.
But while rejoining his former club is not an option, he is reportedly open to returning to England. And it will be interesting to see if Arsenal and Chelsea launch the offensive for the Barcelona winger. Meanwhile, the Blaugrana will be eager not to make any losses on the investment of £55 million last summer.
