Raphinha did not travel with Leeds United for pre-season training. Who all is interested in the Brazilian winger?

Leeds United have definitely confirmed that Raphinha has not travelled with the team to Australia for pre-season training. The Brazilian winger will train in England for the time being until his future is sorted out. Who is interested in the 25-year-old Porto Alegre native?

Like many Brazilians, Raphinha came to Europe via Portugal. From Guimaraes he headed to Sporting Lisbon, where he was bought out by French side Rennes after one successful season. Seven goals, four assists and great performances ensured that after just one year in Ligue 1 he moved again, this time to England.

He was scouted by Leeds United, who had just been promoted to the Premier League. Raphinha managed to start 30 league games and scored 6 goals to which he added 9 assists. Last season he was even better as a goal scorer. He has already scored 11 goals in 36 games, plus 3 assists.

The English team can be really happy for the Brazilian winger, because he was the best player of the team and contributed a lot to United’s rescue in the Premier League. So his departure to a better team makes sense for everyone, when the player himself needs a bigger challenge.

Barcelona – a prime candidate, many variables

The player himself would love to don the jersey of the Catalan outfit that has been given the knife to his throat. Either the transfer will be fine-tuned within 48 hours, which means by Monday/Tuesday, or Deco, the player’s agent, will negotiate with other interested parties.

Barcelona have already announced two new signings in the week, as Franck Kessié and Andreas Christensen were officially presented to the fans at Camp Nou in the jersey of the Catalan outfit. However, the club is reportedly not yet able to register the players as they still haven’t solved their financial problems.

Moreover, the Spanish giant needs to at least match the amount offered by Chelsea, which may be unsolvable in such a short period of time, even though Xavi would be a real fit for Raphinha.

The financial situation at the Catalan club is really messed up and everyone is wondering how they can get out of it. An interesting statement was made by Bayern president Uli Hoeness, who is bothered by the public and “unfair” negotiations about Robert Lewandowski’s departure to Barcelona.

“Barcelona can spare themselves further offers for Lewandowski. It’s a useless effort. The situation in Munich is clear, Robert should keep his contract. No amount of money will change this. They are financial artists. Despite all the debts, they will still find a bank that will give them money. I can’t even imagine,” Hoeness was quoted by El Partidazo de COPE.

Money always wins, that’s why Chelsea

Leeds United have reportedly tentatively agreed a £60m deal with Chelsea, which already includes bonuses. Moreover, the versatile winger can be used in several positions, which certainly suits Thomas Tuchel perfectly.

Unless Barcelona come up with some kind of miracle, Xavi will have to be left to his own devices.

To round up all the possibilities, Arsenal and Tottenham were also interested in Raphinha, but both teams have already strengthened enough that they are not expected to invest that kind of money in the skilful Brazilian. Chelsea thus seem to be a fairly realistic option.

Given these events, Leeds United must logically look for a replacement, which would be Feyenoord’s Luis Sinisterra.

Source: Goal, El Partidazo de COPE, Transfermarkt