Raphinha to snub Liverpool for Barcelona move
Leeds United attacker Raphinha could snub interest from Liverpool in order to complete a summer switch to Barcelona.
The Brazil international continued his fine form in the 2021-22 season with 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances to help the Whites secure survival on the final day.
Raphinha now has 17 goals and 12 assists to boast from 67 appearances in a Leeds shirt since arriving from Rennes in 2020, and his contract at Elland Road runs until the summer of 2024
A £25m exit clause would have supposedly been activated if Jesse Marsch’s side suffered relegation from the top flight last season, but clubs will now have to negotiate a fee with Leeds.
Barcelona and Liverpool have seemingly emerged as the two frontrunners for Raphinha’s signature, but a fee in excess of £50m could be required to prise the 25-year-old away from Elland Road.
Now, Sport claims that Raphinha has earmarked Barcelona as his preferred destination and will snub interest from Liverpool in order to secure a switch to Camp Nou.
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The report adds that Raphinha wants to play a leading role in Catalonia under Xavi for the 2022-23 season, and Barca chief Mateu Alemany has flown to the UK for talks with Leeds.
It is claimed that Whites CEO Angus Kinnear is demanding a fee of €65m (£55.5m) to part ways with the former Rennes man, who has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona.