Jesse Marsch drops big clue on final Raphinha outcome; hints at next Leeds United signing

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch revealed Raphinha did return to training today, though the rest of his update pointed towards a transfer to one club in particular.

The Whites have slapped a £65m valuation on the Brazilian following two sparkling years at Elland Road. That price tag looks fair all things considered, and certainly isn’t high enough to deter the vultures.

Indeed, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Barcelona have all explored a move for the winger. Thomas Tuchel’s Blues have reportedly seen an initial £60m bid accepted, though the player only has eyes for Barcelona.

The tale of South American players favouring moves to one of the Spanish giants is a familiar one. However, Barca’s financial situation is making a deal difficult to finance.

The Evening Standard recently claimed a decision on Raphinha could come on Friday. They put Chelsea as the frontrunners given Barcelona have thus far failed to lodge a suitable bid.

The prospect of Raphinha remaining at Leeds for another season has also been floated. If it winds up being Barcelona or bust and the Spaniards can’t pay, Raphinha may stay.

However, speaking after Leeds’ thumping 4-0 victory over Blackpool in pre-season, Leeds boss Jesse Marsch hinted Raphinha may be bound for Barcelona when referencing the player’s “hopes and dreams”. It is well documented Raphinha craves a Barcelona switch.

Marsch on Raphinha future

“My guess is, I don’t know. We just have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of days,” said Marsch (via the Athletic).

“There’s urgency from his end, I think, to come up with a solution. We have to in the next couple of days see how things stand and see how we go.

“It hasn’t been an easy time for him this summer. Things have come and gone and there have been a lot of little discussions. Right now he’s our player.

“He showed up today and trained with everybody, he had such a good attitude. We had a very open and honest conversation about while he’s here he’s part of us, and then we’ll see what happens. It’s still a long way to go in the transfer window.

“I know he has hopes and dreams. I know he loves this team and this club and he loves being here. We’ll see how things progress day by day.”

The club reportedly hope to honour the agreement they’ve struck with Chelsea if Raphinha is sold. However, reading between the lines, it sounds like Marsch and Leeds may be receptive to a Barcelona bid if a suitable one is tabled.

Raphinha is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Barcelona. If Xavi’s side stump up the cash, a move to the Camp Nou could quickly cross the line.

What’s more, Leeds have already signed a viable replacement in the form of Luis Sinisterra.

Next Leeds signing in the works

On a more positive note for Leeds fans, Marsch stated the club are “actively hunting a striker”. Once one is signed, Leeds’ summer business – at least from an arrivals perspective – is likely to conclude.

While the American did not cite a name, the target he alluded to could be Charles De Ketelaere.

The Belgian operates either as a centre-forward or in behind the striker. The central areas are where he is most dangerous and the Club Brugge star is attracting widespread interest.

Serie A champions AC Milan are in pursuit and have seen a £17.2m bid rejected. They’re expected to return with an improved offer, though they’ll struggle to compete with Leeds financially.

The Whites are said to have tabled an opening bid totalling £30m including add-ons.

From a purely numbers point of a view, Brugge would like to sell to Leeds. However, several reports have insisted De Ketelaere is vehemently against joining Leeds and much prefers AC Milan.

Whether Leeds and Marsch can soften his stance, only time will tell. Though one thing is for sure, Patrick Bamford is likely to have competition for his place next season one way or another.