After doing all he can to extend Leeds United’s stay in the Premier League, Raphinha is understandably one of the most coveted forwards in the transfer market today.
The Porto Alegre-born striker is in the midst of his physical prime at 25 years old, and he has shown massive improvement during these past few years to the point that he has become one of Leeds United’s best players – especially with the injuries they’ve dealt all season.
Raphinha has suitors from all over Europe – from the Premier League to La Liga – which puts his future with the Whites in doubt. And with the offers he’s been getting, it’s highly likely that he’ll leave Elland Road this summer.
Examining Raphinha’s time with Leeds United
Raphinha was brought in by Leeds for around £17-M plus add-ons on October 2020 to further bolster their attack. The Brazilian signed a four-year deal and he was the club’s 13th summer arrival alongside the likes of Rodrigo, Robin Koch, and Diego Llorente.
He mentioned at the time that moving to the Premier League was a “dream come true” since it meant that his career was on an upward trajectory. Prior to joining the Whites, Raphinha had productive stints with Sporting CP and Rennes where he had six goals in 28 appearances in back-to-back seasons.
His full debut was at home against Arsenal on November 22, 2020. Six days later, Raphinha struck his first Leeds goal in their 1-0 away victory over Everton to help the team secure their first Premier League win against the Toffees since 1990 and first at Goodison Park.
During his first year at Elland Road, Raphinha was often used as a substitute since they had Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo up front to lead the way. But that didn’t hinder him from being productive with six goals in 29 appearances.
This season, Raphinha took it upon himself to become Leeds’ top striker with Patrick Bamford out for long spells. He had 11 goals and three assists – including two memorable goals that are in the Premier League 2022 highlights reel.
His low-struck 72nd minute equaliser against Everton earlier was nominated as one of the Premier League’s Goals of the Month for August. And his first goal in their 2-1 away win against Brentford helped confirmed their English top-flight status for next term.
Who are Raphinha’s suitors?
Raphinha is expected to decide this week regarding his future with numerous offers at his table.
Barcelona were once the favourites to get his services, but the La Liga side is reportedly no longer in pole position for his signature. The Blaugrana’s financial woes have been well-documented and they want to get Raphinha for €40-M, but the Whites are holding out for a fee of €55-M.
Because of this, Manchester United have entered the fray and several reports indicate that they’ve outbid the La Liga side, while Tottenham and Arsenal are on the radar as well.
Manchester United certainly need reinforcements up front as former manager Ralf Rangnick once alluded to where they apparently missed out on the likes of Luis Diaz, Julian Alvarez, and Dusan Vlahovic last January.
Tottenham have already been very active in the transfer market as they’ve completed the signings of Ivan Perisic and Fraser Foster, while they’ve agreed on a fee for Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have added Marquinhos and Matt Turner and they’ve inked Eddie Nketiah to a long-term extension.
Raphinha wants and deserves more
Leeds United are reportedly “sympathetic” to Raphinha’s ambition and they won’t get in the way of his dreams. The Whites do not anticipate him accepting a new contract despite his current deal with the club running through 2024.
Raphinha has always been a consummate professional since he never publicly demanded for a transfer, but it’s no secret that he is destined for greater things – such as playing in the Champions League. He will also be in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup at Qatar this November where he’ll get invaluable experience out of it too.
His impending departure surely dampens Leeds’ SBOTOP Premier League 2022 odds for next season as he’ll leave a huge void, but there’s no denying that this is the best move for the Brazilian moving forward.
Selling Raphinha at a great value should help the Whites in the near future. But more than the money that he’ll bring in, the fans will always remember him for being the main reason why Leeds United are in the Premier League for at least one more season.
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