Raphinha is expected to be in Barcelona on Monday to finalise his dream move to the Catalan club, reported by LeedsLive via Twitter.
The Brazilian has been left out of the squad that travelled to Australia, further fuelling the rumours that he is on his way out of Elland Road. The 25 year old has made no secret that he wants a move away from the Yorkshire club and Spain has always been his preferred destination. Leeds won’t stand in his way wherever he decides to go, even accepting a bid from Chelsea, rumoured to be around £60m. Raphinha though, wasn’t keen on a move to London and was prepared to wait for Barcelona to raise the funds to meet The Whites valuation.
The saga has been going on for weeks, and the feeling amongst fans is that they just want the matter dealt with now, with everyone becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation. Barcelona have tried to offset wages, money owed and even tried to pay for the Brazilian in part payments, but Leeds have stood firm. His price is believed to have been set at £60m-£65m and they won’t accept anything less.
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‘Reports in recent days have suggested that Barcelona have met Raphinha’s £60 million price tag, although the Spanish club don’t want to pay anything until next year and then want to split the fee into instalments, the player is expected to arrive in Catalonia to help thrash out a deal.’
‘Barcelona made an improved verbal offer this weekend, but it remains some way short of Chelsea’s £60million, and Deco has reportedly given Barca president Juan Laporta a deadline of the ‘beginning of next week’ to satisfy Leeds’ demands. They have both kept the door ajar for Chelsea, who will act swiftly to agree personal terms if they are given the chance.’
Jesse Marsch will want the matter resolved before the squad return from down under, and the money could be used to fund further additions as Leeds look to bolster their squad in time for the opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 6th. Leeds moved quickly to replace Raphinha with the capture of talented Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra just a few days ago.
In case you missed it: Barcelona make improved bid