Fresh twist in transfer saga involving ex-Leeds United star Raphinha as Barcelona chief ‘declares stance’ - YEP 31/5/23

-

Former Leeds United star Raphinha continues to face an uncertain future, but things appear to be turning his favour.

By Jamie Kemble

Former Leeds United star Raphinha continues to make headlines in Spain.

Raphinha has been with Barcelona for the best part of a year following his £50million Elland Road exit last summer. The Brazilian made a slow start to life at Camp Nou, but he became a prominent member of Xavi Hernandez’s La Liga title-winning side after Ousmane Dembélé suffered another injury blow.

By the end of the season, the winger had racked up 10 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, and he notably got on well with Xavi’s style. Despite that, there has been talk of him being moved on this summer.

The latest report comes from Barcelona-based Sport, who believe there may still be a future for Raphinha for Camp Nou after all. In fact, they report that the preferred option for new Barca chief Deco is that Raphinha stays for at least next season.

Raphinha has an ally in his fellow countryman, who reportedly believes the winger deserves an opportunity to continue at the club next season based on what he achieved this term. The big question is whether Barcelona can afford to keep Raphinha, and particularly as they make a run to re-sign Lionel Messi.

Barca’s finances are in a concerning state, and much will depend on the salary limit they are given by La Liga next season. The figure will increase from this season due to winning the leaguue and securing Champions League, two factors that significantly increase income. But the Blaugrana will still have work to do as they look to stay within their allocated limit, and they will need to move players on in order to make significant signings.

The report details, though, that Deco only wants to sell Raphinha is it becomes necessary, with other players ahead of the 26-year-old in the exit queue.

Popular posts from this blog

Patrick Bamford on the scoresheet as Joe Gelhardt nets four in 10-2 Leeds United thrashing — Leeds Press 31/7/25

-
by Kwadwo Hemeng Leeds United have had some impressive results in pre-season so far. In three games, they have failed to lose and have racked up impressive scorelines. Thursday was no different. While the first team is preparing for the next friendly against Villarreal, the U21s side, with a host of first team stars, thrashed Norweigian side Lyn 1896 10-2 in a pre-season friendly this afternoon. There were some surprising names on the scoresheet – Patrick Bamford scored, Sam Greenwood netted a brace and Joe Gelhardt scored four goals in the game. This is the second friendly the trio have featured in; they played in the friendly against Hartlepool last weekend. The trio did not make the trip to Germany, as Daniel Farke has instructed them to find new clubs. Patrick Bamford was informed after a long personal conversation with the Leeds boss. Farke then revealed this crucial information right after the club’s first game against Manchester United. According to the German coach, h...
Read more

Leeds United full-time apology, wantaway man's tunnel appearance and off-camera Villarreal moments — YEP 3/8/25

-
By Graham Smyth The YEP’s verdict and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s 1-1 draw against Villarreal at Elland Road in the club’s penultimate pre-season friendly. Leeds United are edging closer to a Premier League return with just one more friendly left to play now that a 1-1 draw with Villarreal is in the books. It was far from a thriller at Elland Road but there were positives to take, particularly for two individuals involved in the Whites goal. It was far from a good day for others, however. Here's the YEP take on Leeds' battle with LaLiga opposition. Good day Joel Piroe Another game, another goal. The Dutchman knows where the net is and with no new number 9 in the door yet, Piroe has put together a good case to start up top against Everton if the need arises. Lukas Nmecha has also looked sharp but Piroe's status as the club's best finisher appears to remain untouched. It helps that he came back for pre-season in such good shape too, because he wil...
Read more

Leeds United reveal three-man shortlist as they eye major striker signing — trio have a combined 19 Premier League career goals — Leeds Press 3/5/25

-
Image
by Kwadwo Hemeng Leeds United are playing in the Premier League next season. But with the transfer window coming up, there are still some questions about the squad that need to be answered. Starting striker Joel Piroe has been first choice over the last two seasons. And he has delivered, scoring over 35 goals. But in recent weeks, Leeds’ rumoured moves show that there may be doubt over his ability heading into the Premier League. Over the last month, the club have been linked with George Hirst, and more recently Celtic star Daizen Maeda. Wrexham are also said to be very interested in signing Patrick Bamford this summer, so Leeds will definitely sign a new striker. TEAMtalk are reporting that Leeds United have drawn up a shortlist of strikers for the summer. It includes two current Premier League players, and a former Tottenham star. But surprisingly, the trio have just 19 career goals in the competition. Whichever of them the club decides to sign will have a big say in survivin...
Read more