With Ousmane Dembele not interested in renewing his contract with Barcelona on the club’s terms, the Catalan side are looking to sign a winger in the upcoming summer window. They have identified Leeds United’s Brazilian stalwart Raphinha who has attracted a lot of eyeballs with his performances in the Premier League.
Despite Barcelona’s renewed interest in Dembele following a series of confidence-boosting performances on the field, there was a sense of optimism that the two parties will eventually find an agreement. However, that seems far from reality at the moment as Barcelona have maintained that they will not open negotiations until Dembele and his agent take the initiative.
Dembele’s exit this summer could leave Barcelona short-staffed on the wings despite the signings of Ferran Torres and Adama Traore. As a result, Barcelona have been looking for options.
Leeds United’s contract rebel Raphinha has emerged as an extremely lucrative target for the Catalan club and they might have to shell out 40 million euros in order to secure his services this summer.
According to a report in Spanish news outlet SPORT, Raphinha is represented by D20 Sports whose owner happens to be former Barcelona midfielder Deco. Deco also serves as the club’s scout in South America under president Joan Laporta and it goes without saying that the two parties have excellent ties which could aid a potential deal.
It has been an extremely disappointing season for Leeds United who are just two points away from the relegation zone at the moment. The Yorkshire-based club had to part ways with the man who guided them back into top-flight Marcelo Bielsa and have replaced him with Jesse Marsch.
This could cast a doubt on Raphinha’s future with the club and sources close to him report that he’s willing to explore newer challenges. The winger has a contract with the club until 2024 but although Leeds have approached him twice this year, with better offers, he hasn’t responded.
There is also said to be a special clause in Raphinha’s contract which could allow him to leave for an even smaller amount. If Leeds United get relegated this season, clubs will be able to trigger that special clause in Raphinha’s contract which allows him to depart Leeds United for only 25 million euros.
