Raphinha transfer latest: Barcelona launch massive opening bid with added incentive for Leeds

Barcelona have reportedly lodged an opening bid to Leeds to secure the Raphinha transfer, amid claims the Brazilian has also agreed personal terms at the Nou Camp.

The Leeds United winger is poised to leave Elland Road this summer after excelling in a struggling side. While his own form has fallen away in recent months, his 10 goals and three assists in the Premier League has served notice of his undeniable talents. But for his efforts this season, Leeds would surely already be down.

That form has seen Raphinha earn recognition in his homeland. Having become something of a darling of the Brazilian media, the winger has also established himself as a regular in Tite’s national side.

Understandably, that has also drawn attention from a number of top clubs. Bayern Munich were the firsy to be strongly linked, while Premier League links have come in the form of Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, it is Barcelona who have emerged to lead the chase for the 25-year-old star. To that end, Raphinha has seemingly left a potential move in the capable hands of his agent; the former Barcelona man, Deco.

Now it seems the prospects of Raphinha making that move have taken a major leap forwards.

That’s after Goal reported that he has now agreed personal terms at the Nou Camp. The player currently earns around £63,000 a week at Leeds and they report he will double his wages by moving to Catalonia.

Barcelona make giant offer to Leeds for Raphinha transfer

Furthermore, Brazilian news outlet UOL claims Barcelona have also submitted an opening offer to Leeds for Raphinha. They state they have made an offer worth £46.47m (€55m). That proposal also includes a further £8.8m (€10m) made up incentives and bonuses.

And were he to meet those targets, they claim the total package for Raphinha would be worth £55.27m to Leeds. That would comfortably make the player Leeds’ record sale, topping the £30m Manchester United paid for Rio Ferdinand in 2002.

The article, however, understandably states that all negotiations will be placed on hold until after the season concludes.

Leeds are currently right in the thick of a relegation battle, with just one game to play. They currently sit outside the relegation places by a solitary point.

However, Burnley could usurp them heading into the final day with the Clarets playing a game in hand, at Aston Villa, on Thursday night.

Money looks right for Raphinha

A Raphinha transfer away from Leeds looks inevitable this summer. He is a player who clearly belongs on the biggest of stages and few would begrudge him on a move to Barcelona.

However, Leeds will know what the star is worth. And it would take an offer in the region of £50m to convince them to sell.

With a deal at Elland Road that does not expire until 2024, the power is certainly in Leeds’ hands.

But if a deal is agreed, Leeds will not stand in his way with the money used to strengthen their side.

Leeds winger Raphinha agrees terms with Barcelona

Leeds United winger Raphinha agrees personal terms with Barcelona but deal between clubs is yet to be done

And Raphinha would certainly excel alongside Barcelona’s galaxy of stars. The move to Catalonia will also allow him the chance of fulfilling his dream of playing in the Champions League.

Xavi is building an exciting side at the Nou Camp and the addition of Raphinha would only strengthen them further. Indeed, he may even be a LaLiga title winner come this time next year if all goes to plan.

Meanwhile, Leeds’ immediate focus obviously remains on their fight for survival. Clearly though they won’t have an easy ride of things at Brentford on the final day, as Thomas Frank has quickly made clear.