Raphinha: Leeds United forward close to Barcelona move

Raphinha, a forward for Leeds United, is close to joining Barcelona, according to head coach Jesse Marsch.

The initial purchase price for the 25-year-old playmaker from Brazil is allegedly 58 million euros (£49 million).

Marsch remarked during the team’s tour in Australia, “I’m hopeful for him to get this deal done because I know it’s his goal to play for Barcelona.”

He participated in 65 Premier League games throughout the course of his two seasons at Elland Road, contributing 17 goals and 12 assists.

Prior to Barcelona showing interest in the player, Chelsea appeared to be the player’s destination.

The former Rennes player is believed to have had interest from Premier League teams like Arsenal and Spurs, but the Catalan club has always been his first choice.

The money from the sale of midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City and the purchase of Raphinha, according to Marsch, “allows us to take the club on the next stages we need to go on in the future.”

According to reports, Raphina’s transfer cost to the Nou Camp might potentially total 65 million euros (£54.7 million) with add-ons.

Raphinha has two years left on his Elland Road deal after joining Leeds for £17 million in 2020 from French club Rennes. Based on the revenue Leeds generates, it is thought that the French club is entitled to a sell-on charge.

In the hopes that Raphinha’s future would be determined quickly, Marsch left Raphinha out of the Whites’ travelling group for a three-game trip to Australia.

However, the winger joined the rest of the team for training at the club’s Thorp Arch facility.