Highly reliable Leeds United journalist Phil Hay expects Raphinha to depart Elland Road this summer.
The Brazilian winger has long been linked with a move away from the Whites, with Barcelona touted as his next potential destination.
The 25-year-old has had a stellar personal season, despite Leeds’ relegation troubles. He boasts 11 goals and three assists, which in the context of the year is mightily impressive.
The Whites have been plagued with injuries this season, but losing Raphinha will worry Marsch, who will want to be nowhere near the relegation zone next season and will need his better players to stick around to ensure that.
Fortunately for Leeds, having stayed up they also regain some bargaining power over the Brazilian’s future. The Athletic correspondent, speaking on The Phil Hay show had the following to say about a potential exit:
“I think Raphinha will go. I do think he will go this summer – provided somebody pays enough money. And again, there was a relegation buyout clause in his deal; there isn’t a buyout clause in the Premier League.
“So they get to dictate the price, do Leeds, and that is really important when it comes to replacing him, but also for your budget.”
TIF’s thoughts on Raphinha’s potential exit…
Raphinha has been Leeds’ standout player this season, and a shining light in an otherwise dismal year for the Whites. Keeping hold of prized assets is how teams progress, but this could prove a step too far.
If the £63k-per-week star’s heart is set on leaving, a steep valuation must be placed on the tricky winger with whom Leeds can attribute their safety to. This safety, ironically, is what could allow Leeds to either demand huge money or force the player to stick around for a little while longer, due to there being no buyout clause.
The man who Paul Merson dubbed “unbelievable”, Leeds should look to demand no less than his £40.5m Transfermarkt valuation.
Having outscored the likes of his compatriot Richarlison this season, who Everton had to fork out an initial £35m for back in 2018, surely the Whites should be expecting to make more than that, especially considering how the market has altered since then.
In other news, Leeds United are looking to tie down another of their stars. Find out who here.