Leeds United star Raphinha finished the 2021/22 league season with 11 goals and three assists from 35 appearances.
The winger scored in the Whites’ 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend, and it was this result [and Burnley’s defeat to Newcastle United] that secured their stay in the Premier League.
Leeds United avoiding relegation has not pleased Barcelona since they have been keen to sign the 25-year-old for a reduced price.
The La Liga side stood a chance to take the player for a fee of around €25-30m, if Jesse Marsch’s side were not playing in the top division next season.
On Friday, Sport stated that Leeds United ‘want to take advantage of the situation’ and ask for a ‘significantly’ higher fee to let the Brazil international leave this summer.
Record in Portugal had an opportunity to interview the player’s father, Raphael Belloli. He was quizzed on the chances of his son making a switch to the Camp Nou this summer.
“Possibilities exist, but these possibilities involve three parties: the interested club, the current one and the player,” Belloli said.
“He is calm about having a contract, and, as everyone knows, the possibilities depend only on him. What is already known is what is in the news, nothing different from that.”
Raphinha’s father also spoke about the player’s celebration after Leeds United maintained their Premier League status with a win over the Bees.
“It was a celebration of great relief. It was a promise with regards to his goals which, unfortunately, were not to go down. This was achieved with the effort of the entire group. He is a very dedicated player with a lot of faith,” he explained.
It’s to be noted Record have his father’s name as Raphael Belloli, while outlets in Brazil have him as Rafael Belloli.
