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Marsch to be robbed of superstar as crafty exit plan emerges for in-demand Leeds ace

Raphinha Stuart Dallas Rodrigo.Leeds United 2022 TEAMtalk1

Raphinha has reportedly asked Leeds United to lower his release clause in order to help facilitate a move away from Leeds United.

The 25-year-old has been a star for the Whites ever since joining from Rennes in October 2020. He has bagged 15 top-flight goals and 12 assists and is a player that regularly gets the Elland Road faithful out of their seats. Unsurprisingly, the Brazil international has been attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are all said to be keen on the South American. However, trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently suggested that Barcelona may be at the front of the queue for his signature.

Leeds do not want the ex-Sporting ace to leave and the fans are desperate for him to remain in West Yorkshire. But rumours persist that Raphinha has already turned down a fresh contract offer from his present employers.

His current release clause is in the region of £70m. And that appears to be a sticking point to the talented winger extending his stay with the club.

UOL Journalist Bruno Andrade insists Raphinha might pen an extension but not without a significant alteration to the terms.

“Raphinha turned down Leeds’ first offer to renew – the current contract lasts until 2024,” he wrote on Twitter.

“To sign a new contract, the striker wants a reduction in the release clause, currently set at 70 million pounds. Barcelona, Bayern and Liverpool are eyeing the Brazilian.”

Marcelo Bielsa Leeds United manager 2022 TEAMtalk1

A lower release clause would make the Brazilian an even more attractive proposition to his summer suitors. He is under contract until 2024 and so the time is now right for Leeds to cash in if they do want to make a decent profit.

Leeds to weight up Raphinha pros and cons

Leeds have struggled during their second season back in the Premier League. Marcelo Bielsa’s love affair with the club is now over, with Jesse Marsch a surprise choice to replace the Argentinian.

But the American has guided his charges to back-to-back league victories, giving them breathing space in the relegation battle. Friday’s amazing 3-2 comeback triumph over Wolves sees them seven points above the dreaded drop zone.

And with a bit of momentum, they can now look forward to the next three fixtures against Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace.

Should they stay in the top flight, Marsch will want Raphinha on board for next season’s campaign. But his value will drop as time moves on.

Most things point to a summer exit and former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood feels the world is his oyster.

Jesse Marsch Leeds United 2022 TEAMtalk1

“[It will be] very difficult to keep him. I’m not exaggerating to say he could play anywhere in the Premier League,” he told the Sport Optus Analysis Show.

“There is not a team he wouldn’t fit. It depends how regularly he wants to play, and Leeds’ ambition.

“He is only going to be a lot of money to buy, but it is worth it. He has shown that he can play in the Premier League, a low-risk signing. I’d like to have him at Tottenham, I think he’d be a great player at Tottenham.”

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