A recent update from Fabrizio Romano, speaking on Gerard Romero’s Twitch, has confirmed that negotiations between Barcelona and Raphinha are in ‘very advanced stage’. As of today, however, Leeds United have not received any bid from the Catalan management.
Barcelona have been in touch with the player through his agent, Deco – a former Barça midfielder – and any possibility of striking a potential deal has been in pipeline since February.
However, it must be noted that the winger will only arrive if a certain Ousmane Dembele departs.
As for Raphinha, it was understood that the Brazilian was a subject of interest in Barcelona’s failed €35 million bid last month.
So in order to persuade the Premier League club, the team from Catalonia were willing to add Oscar Mingueza, but a recent upturn in Dembele’s fortune might see Barcelona pulling out of the deal altogether.
Now, it must be remembered that Raphinha had two release clauses in his contract. First, a €75 million worth which will stay intact if Leeds manage to survive relegation. If not, the value will come down to €25 million.
Speaking to Radio MARCA, however, Leeds sporting director Victor Orta refuted all the claims regarding the aforementioned prices. In fact, he clarified that there are no such buyout clauses in his contract.
“By the way, Raphinha does not have a clause if we stay in the Premier League. In that sense, the player and I have looked each other in the face and, with the help of his people, we have said now there is only one goal and that is to save Leeds United,” he added.
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