According to the reports from Spain, Raphinha is apparent in his desire to join FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The Brazilian international has requested Leeds United to grant him the move to Camp Nou after ensuring the Whites’ Premier League status remained intact.
After two seasons with the Whites, the 25-year-old has established himself as the talisman for his side and one of the most enterprising attackers in the Premier League.
Raphinha was the guiding light for Leeds in the 2021/22 campaign as they staved off relegation, with the Brazilian international racking up a tally of 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances. After playing his part in keeping Leeds in the Premier League, Raphinha is now hoping to seal a move to Barcelona.
His performance in the final game of the 2021-22 campaign helped Leeds United secure their Premier League status, winning and scoring the resulting penalty in the victory at Brentford. He gave Jesse Marsch the result needed, which very few expected.
Raphinha is a viable target for Barcelona even if Dembele stays put at Camp Nou, with the Blaugrana unlikely to sign Adama Traore permanently. And the Brazilian forward is keen on joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
However, Leeds United recently dealt a setback to the Catalan giants, rejecting their offer to sign Raphinha. But Raphinha is clear that he wants to move to Camp Nou and has urged the West Yorkshire club to grant him his desired transfer in the summer transfer window.
It is unclear if Leeds will respond favourably, but letting Raphinha join Barcelona will likely help them raise funds for their summer business. At the same time, the two parties will part ways on favourable terms instead of getting involved in a sour battle. Raphinha has done his part in guiding Leeds to safety in the Premier League, and granting him the move to Barcelona will be in good faith.
Raphinha has been linked with a host of top Premier League clubs this season, but his form was left wanting before the Brentford match, with the club desperately in need of some inspiration and leadership.
Manchester City have been heavily linked with him, along with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.
A move abroad is probably the decision he is leaning more towards with the above mentioned now in play. But the summer has just started and Barcelona have their finances to sort out before signing any new players.
