Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Leeds winger bid gives Paratici the perfect opening to complete aborted Tottenham transfer

Raphinha transfer latest; Barcelona keen on Brazilian seen here during training at Thorp Arch

Barcelona have reportedly tested the waters with a bid for Leeds Utd ace Raphinha, and a report has revealed why that could grease the wheels of a separate Tottenham transfer.

Raphinha is quickly becoming the subject of intense summer transfer speculation – irrespective of whether Leeds beat the drop. The Brazilian has taken his game to new heights since moving to Elland Road and is now a regular starter for his national side.

There has been debate as to the nature of an apparent release clause within Raphinha’s current contract – or indeed if one exists.

Some outlets have claimed Raphinha can be bought for a fraction of his true value if Leeds go down. The Yorkshire Evening Post recently claimed there is no such clause to speak of.

Reports from Spain have suggested Barcelona have lodged an early £29.1m bid for the forward.

That has been questioned by reporting in England, though transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Barcelona want the winger.

Regardless, Barcelona’s interest in Raphinha is unlikely to subside any time soon. And per Football London, that will open the door for Tottenham to complete a deal of their own.

Raphinha agrees terms with Barcelona as Leeds exit likely

Raphinha agrees terms with Barcelona as Leeds exit likely

Raphinha is set to leave Leeds United for Barcelona this summer and has agreed terms with the La Liga side

Should Raphinha ultimately move to the Camp Nou this summer, Adama Traore is the likeliest candidate to make way.

The Wolves flyer is on loan at Barca and would not be signed permanently if Raphinha arrives.

Spurs were heavily linked with a move for Traore in the winter window. Antonio Conte reportedly wished to convert him into a wing-back with summer recruit Emerson Royal struggling in the early going.

Traore’s preference of remaining an out and out winger was one factor that saw their interest dropped, allowing Barcelona to pounce.

Raphinha could push Traore to Tottenham

Traore has made an impact since returning to Spain with four assists to his name. But if returned to Wolves at season’s end, Football London reckon Spurs might strike.

The idea of deploying him at wing-back is once again touted. Tottenham would seemingly be of the hope Traore’s head could be turned if guaranteed regular minutes. 180 minutes a week at wing-back may be better than 45 off the bench in the front three.

Spurs have been linked with Torino’s Wilfried Songo too, though he would be something of a gamble given he has no Premier League experience.

Spurs chief Fabio Paratici is deemed ‘keen’ on concluding his unfinished business with Traore from January. 

Traore will have just 12 months remaining on his Wolves contract come the summer. That would make the next transfer window their ideal time to cash in.