According to a recent report by Goal, Leeds United star attacker Raphinha has decided to hold off on contract talks and is waiting for offers from top European clubs in the summer transfer window. The Premier League side approached the winger multiple times in January to extend his contract but it is believed that the 25-year-old has given no response to the Elland Road club which indicates that he could opt to leave in the summer. The likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly interested in him and hence it will not be easy for the Yorkshire giants to extend his contract as Raphinha is keen on listening to proposals from other clubs.
Raphinha A Standout Player For Leeds United This Season
Raphinha has been in stunning form this season being the main man at the Elland Road. The Brazilian was the star player in their first top-flight league season after 16 years as he steered them to a ninth-place finish in the Premier League scoring 6 goals and providing 9 assists. This season the winger has been in brilliant form banging in 9 goals and 2 assists in 21 league starts.
The Brazilian has also been rewarded with a national team call up for his performances with Leeds this season. Raphinha’s rise in stature has not gone unnoticed, with several top clubs in Europe interested in securing his services. With a 50 million euros price tag set by Leeds, it remains to be seen who wins the race to land the Brazilian in the upcoming transfer window.
Can Leeds United Afford To Lose Raphinha?
Raphinha has been one of the star players in the Leeds team this season. The departure of the winger will be a huge blow to the side as he has contributed to a lot of their goals this season in the absence of star striker Patrick Bamford. Raphinha is the kind of player who uses his tricks and skills to go past defenders in that right channel to create chances and score goals. He has the quality to pick out passes and set his teammates up who are in better positions to score. He has also shown his ability to provide great deliveries from dead-ball situations.
With Leeds United already struggling around 15th place in the league table, losing a player of Raphinha’s calibre will be a massive blow to Bielsa at this time. It will be a huge task for Leeds to replace the Brazilian in the summer who can come in and straight away deliver. But with his contract coming to an end in 2024, Leeds might cash in on the winger at the end of the current season.
