The Brazil international is ready to move on from Elland Road this summer, but there is still work to be done at Camp Nou before a deal can be finalized.
Raphinha has signed personal terms on a summer transfer to Barcelona, but talks with Leeds have been put on hold until the conclusion of the season because both teams are currently preoccupied with other matters.
Those at Elland Road are still worried about their Premier League position, with one more critical match to play in their fight to avoid relegation, while directors at Camp Nou are working on freeing up space in Xavi’s squad and wage cap to bring in more reinforcements.
It is reported that a contract with Brazil international Raphinha is being negotiated, with clauses that will keep him in Catalunya until 2027. Former Barcelona star Deco represents the 25-year-old forward, who has seven senior caps to his name. He has been working with Deco since June 2021.
Leeds has made contact through the ex-Portugal international, but the Whites have stated that they will only enter into comprehensive negotiations when their domestic campaign concludes on Sunday against Brentford.
Raphinha will be trying to keep his current club in the Premier League, but if a team headed by American coach Jesse Marsch is relegated, a large reduction in his release clause will be activated.
If Leeds were to drop into the Championship, Barca could sign the highly-rated South American for €25 million (£21 million or $26 million). The Liga giants have yet to make an official offer, but Raphinha has made it obvious to people in West Yorkshire that he wants to leave, despite attempts to lock him down to a new contract failing.
Raphinha has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, but there are a number of obstacles to overcome before any deal can be completed. Xavi has revealed as much in recent weeks, saying that departures must be sanctioned during the summer before new players can be welcomed through the doors.
After permanently offloading Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa, the intention is to sell additional large earners in the coming weeks, with the likes of Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, Neto, and Frenkie de Jong potentially being offloaded, while Ousmane Dembele is heading for free agency. Barcelona will be unable to sign the players they desire unless they can raise funds and lower their wage costs.
Raphinha is currently waiting in the wings, while personal terms have also been reached with AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen—two players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2021-22 season and who can be acquired without paying a fee.
