Leeds United star Raphinha ‘will force’ a move to Barcelona this summer, but wants to ensure that the Whites stay in the Premier League first.
That’s according to Sport, who say the Brazilian is ‘tremendously grateful’ to the club and does not want an acrimonious exit from Elland Road.
They explain that Raphinah is ‘focused’ on saving Leeds from relegation this season before talking about his future, which is likely to be away from the club.
He wants to leave Leeds and is ‘well aware’ that he is the first name Barcelona are considering to reinforce the right-wing position in the summer.
They’ve reserved a ‘leading role’ for him, but he’s not interested in talking about a move to the Nou Camp until Leeds’ Premier League survival has been ensured.
He will ‘put all his efforts’ into the remaining games and relegation battle, but the reality is that it would suit Barcelona for Leeds to be relegated.
That’s because Raphinha’s current deal includes a relegation clause set at €25m, which is more than ‘affordable’ for the La Liga giants.
The winger, though, isn’t even considering this option as he is ‘tremendously grateful’ to the club for opening the door to the Premier League.
The move and his performances at Leeds have helped him establish himself with Brazil’s national team, where he is an undisputed starter ahead of the likes of Rodrygo and Antony.
He wants to ensure that he can pay the club back in whatever way, and at this moment in time, that is ensuring they stay in the Premier League.
Once that is done ‘he will force’ Leeds management to accept the offer from Barcelona, which is likely to be in the region of €40m.
His agent, former Barca midfielder Deco, is the ‘key figure’ in the whole operation and is ‘managing’ the situation to ensure everything goes smoothly. He was the man who put Raphinha’s name on the table at the Nou Camp and has drawn up a strategy to ensure it happens.
