Brazil and Leeds United winger, Raphinha is reportedly waiting for Barcelona to complete a deal with his club and would be hoping that the move to Camp Nou will get finalized this week amid a strong interest from Chelsea.
Arsenal and Chelsea both made offers for the Brazilian forward this summer, with Chelsea ultimately agreeing to terms with Leeds. However, Chelsea have been attempting to agree on personal terms since then, but negotiations have stalled as the player and his agent, Deco, have persisted in trying to arrange a transfer to Barcelona.
Multiple sources reported last week that Barça had agreed verbally to match Chelsea’s bid, but other details such as the amount to be paid in add-ons have not yet been worked out.
Barcelona want to pay in installments over a long period, but sources close to Leeds and other clubs in Europe are reluctant to join into such deals with the Catalan club given the obvious financial mismanagement that has plagued them recently.
Raphinha wants to move to Barcelona, Leeds are aware of this, and it’s believed an agreement is likely to occur. Leeds have made it clear to Barcelona that they want the deal to be completed by the time they travel to Australia on July 10 for a preseason tour.
🚨 Barcelona signing Raphinha from Leeds is just a matter of time. ⏳
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 6, 2022
(Source: @gerardromero)
Leeds are also finalizing deals for Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra, who are considered to be Raphinha’s replacements. According to 90min, the Brazilian winger is currently staying in Spain in order to have his medical with the club whenever a deal is finalized. Raphinha has agreed on personal terms with the Spanish giants but is reluctant to agree personal terms with Chelsea.
The winger was an important player for Leeds United last season after they escaped relegation in the English Premier League. His performance throughout the season was amazing which is why many teams are fighting to secure his services.
Leeds United have already lost another top player Kalvin Philips to Manchester City this summer. The Englishman is expected to play as a backup to Man City’s center midfielder Rodri and also the best replacement for Fernandinho who left Etihad stadium this summer.
Raphinha’s move to Barcelona will give him the opportunity to participate in the UEFA Champions League competition next season. The Brazilian is also aware of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and representing Brazil will be based on his performance at Barcelona.
Since Xavi made him one of his top transfer targets this summer, he might get regular playing time at the Spanish club which will boost his chances of playing for Brazil in Qatar from November.
