Leeds United have reportedly ruled out the big-money exit of their star midfielder Raphinha this month. Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City are keeping an eye on the Brazilian who is enjoying a great season with the Whites. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also strongly linked with former Rennes star to solidify their midfield. Raphina arrived at Elland Road last season for the bargain fee of £17 million but his current market value has raised to £40 million this month.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has scored 8 league goals in just 17 matches this season and has been crucial in keeping his side of the relegation zone lately. Leeds are struggling in 16th position in the table with just 19 points in 19 opening fixtures. They are 8 points ahead of 18th placed Burnely who have played two games less. Manager Marcelo Bielsa is also under pressure at Elland Road and losing Raphina will be disastrous for his side.
The report from the Mirror suggests that Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has met the player’s agent twice last month and looking forward to opening contract negotiations. Orta is planning to reward his star player with a much better contract offer and is planning to meet the player’s agent, Deco. The same report also suggests that the player is willing to stay at Elland Road in the near future as he is planning to marry his girlfriend who is from Leeds.
It will be a big statement from the club if they manage to tie down Raphina at Elland Road for the longer term. They are also in the advanced stages of negotiating contracts with English midfielder Adam Forshaw. Bielsa also managed to keep their star player Kalvin Phillips in the summer despite strong interest from the big English clubs.
Liverpool And Bayern Munich To Give Up On Raphina After Leeds United Statement:
Both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are in the market for a new midfielder who can offer more than one position role. Raphina is equally capable of playing in both wings, advanced central midfield role, and just behind striker in a number ten role. Liverpool are lacking such players since the departure of Philippe Coutinho in 2018 and Adam Lallana last season. Liverpool are recently linked with other midfield options Aurelien Tchouameni and Gavi, who offer different dimensions to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
Leeds make final transfer decision on Liverpool and Man City target Raphinha | @MirrorAndersonhttps://t.co/i3MVLcWcyS pic.twitter.com/rOSMlPQCvC
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) January 6, 2022
Bayern Munich have been keeping tabs on Raphinha since the last summer and were planning to bid big offer in the upcoming summer. Bayern are looking to secure a replacement for the German star Thomas Muller who will be 33 next season. The Bavarians are also building up youngsters Jamal Musiala and Marc Roca this season with more game time, as a future replacement of Thomas Muller.