Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

‘Personal terms agreed’ as Raphinha to Barcelona talk grows and source details huge Xavi request

Raphinha, Leeds United goal celebration at Everton during Premier League game at Goodison Park

The prospects of Raphinha leaving Leeds United this summer appear to be increasing amid strong claims in Spain that the winger has already agreed personal terms over a move to Barcelona.

United’s director of football Victor Orta swooped to bring in Raphinha from Rennes in October 2020. The £17m fee he paid the Ligue 1 side for the Brazilian is widely accepted to be the best piece of business the Spaniard has done at Leeds. Indeed, Raphinha has been the jewel in Leeds’ crown pretty much since his debut. His 15 goals and 12 assists are testament to that.

As such, it’s little wonder to see Raphinha being watched by a plethora of other clubs. Bayern Munich were strongly linked over Christmas, while the likes Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have also been mentioned.

However, transfer oracle Fabrizio Romano recently raised the possibility of a move to Barcelona for Raphinha.

Now it appears though rumours are gathering serious traction.

According to Sport, Raphinha is now Barcelona’s “objective No 1” this summer.

They state coach Xavi has made it his personal mission to bring the Brazilian to the Nou Camp and complete a new-look attack.

Alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres, Raphinha will be brought in as a direct replacement for Ousmane Dembele.

Raphinha waiting for Real Madrid and Barcelona

Raphinha waiting for Real Madrid and Barcelona

Leeds United will struggle to keep hold of Raphinha as Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona all want him and he wants La Liga

The winger is approaching free agent status and looks likely to leave on a free.

Furthermore, Sport also claims Raphinha has set his heart on the move to Catalonia.

They state he has already agreed personal terms with his agent Deco, the former Barcelona player, also working as a South American scout for the club.

Barcelona launch opening bid for Raphinha

In addition, they state Barca have already submitted a £29.1m (€35m) offer to Leeds for Raphinha.

The Spanish source claims Leeds are yet to respond, instead focusing on their quest to stay in the Premier League.

The Whites currently sit seven points clear of the drop zone following wins over Norwich and Wolves.

However, were Leeds to go down, a clause in his contract allows the player to leave for just £20.8m (€25m).

That said, Leeds will now expect to pull clear of relegation. As such, they will reportedly reject that offer.

Sport claims the Whites will likely hold out for a fee nearer the £41m (€50m) mark if the player is to leave.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand explains why Raphinha will become even better after summer transfer