Raphinha receptive to new Leeds United contract amid talks over improved deal - MOT Leeds News 29/12/21

By Craig Scott

Raphinha is open to signing a new and improved contract with Leeds United, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay.

Writing on The Athletic website in an update today (Wednesday), the ex-Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported that Leeds are in discussions to offer Raphinha, 25, a pay rise and lengthen his deal amid speculation linking him with a move to Bayern Munich.

Leeds are reportedly “nonplussed” by a claim from TNT Sports Brazil, which says that Raphinha is set to join the German giants in January.

Instead, Hay reports that Raphinha has been “receptive” to talks over a new deal and while Leeds “have heard Deco talk previously about Raphinha’s lofty ambitions”, the Brazil winger is happy at Elland Road.

Leeds fans are begging for Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta to make new signings in the January transfer window. But the biggest signing the club could make is to get Raphinha tied down to a new deal.

Hay reports that the former Rennes winger isn’t among the top-earners at Elland Road. However, based on how well he’s performed since swapping Ligue 1 for the Premier League, he’s been one of Bielsa’s best players and should definitely be up there with the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford in terms of his earnings.

Raphinha was superb last season and this season has seen him drag Leeds through the mire with the Brazil international scoring eight goals in his 16 Premier League appearances. Only three players have more top-flight goals than the 25-year-old this term.

Raphinha’s bound to be linked with clubs like Bayern Munich. As much as we hate to admit it – he’s good enough for them.

But he’s also a star player here, one who stands head and shoulders above the rest and will always be the first name on Bielsa’s teamsheet.

Leeds must do all they can to keep Raphinha. If he’s worth £50million now, just think how much he would be worth in a year or two’s time.

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