The Blaugrana have made Leeds United’s Raphinha a priority target for the summer, reports the Telegraph. The club intend to approach the relegation-threatened Premier League for the attacker regardless of their status at the end of the season.
While Barcelona’s interest in the 25-year-old has intensified, the fee that they must pay Leeds to release him will depend upon which division the latter will play in next season. Jesse Marsch’s side is in the thick of a relegation battle alongside Burnley and Everton, and losing their spot in the top flight for next season will make it easier for top clubs to prise away their key assets.
As per the report, relegation will bring down Raphinha’s release clause to a meager 30 million euros. However, survival will ensure that Leeds can sell their star man on their own terms. The Brazilian is the most valuable player on the Whites’ roster at present, with Transfermarkt pricing him at 45 million. Since moving to Elland Road from Stade Rennes at the start of the previous season, he has made 62 appearances and scored 16 goals.
Meanwhile, Raphinha’s potention departure to Barcelona could have a lasting impact on Adama Traore’s future. The Spaniard moved back to his boyhood club on loan in January from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they are unwilling to pay the English side a nominal fee of 30 million to make his move permanent.
If that stays the case, Traore will return to the Molineux this summer, where he will have another year left on his contract. What happens next remains to be seen, but the 26-year-old is likely to have a queue of admirers hoping to take him away on the cheap.
Tottenham came close to signing him during the winter transfer window before the Catatalans swept in at the eleventh hour with a better proposal. Everton, too, are interested in doing a deal for him if forward Richarlison leaves the club this summer.
