Leeds United turned down Barcelona’s first offer for the transfer of Raphinha, according to reports from the Catalan media.
Sport claims the Whites have communicated they’re not accepting the €35m bid for the Brazilian, pointing to his €75m release clause.
The report, however, claims Barcelona have ‘not lost optimism’, and are still convinced they can make the signing ‘for an accessible price’ in the coming weeks.
Sport recalls that the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool, both with more financial power than Barça, want the 24-year-old. Still, the player is said to be tempted by the Camp Nou side and asked his agent Deco to get the move done.
The story claims Barcelona will reactivate the contacts with Leeds soon, as the negotiation is still open. Raphinha is said to be the club’s number one option for the La Liga giants this summer, and they could bring him to replace Ousmane Dembele.
Leeds United’s star is also said to be keen to play under ‘brave coach’ Xavi Hernandez, as the Catalan media do everything possible to hype the manager.
Barça’s interest in the winger has also been reported by the Brazilian media this week, with UOL claiming the player is only signing a new contract with the Whites if they reduce his release clause.
