Leeds United winger Raphinha is reportedly open to the possibilty of joining Barcelona in the summer. The La Liga side opened talks with the Premier League outfit earlier this month, and discussions between the two parties are thought to have gone positively until now.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea were leading the race for the Brazilian up until owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the British government, leaving the club’s transfer plans in jeopardy.
Leeds United Winger Raphinha Open to the Possibility of Joining Barcelona
Raphinha Has Consistently Impressed in Leeds Colours
Raphinha has earned a reputation as one of Leeds’ most impressive performers since joining the club from French side Stade Rennais in October 2020.
The 25-year-old has 15 goals and 12 assists in 59 appearances for the West Yorkshire side, and has also earned seven caps for Brazil.
His exploits for club and country have not gone unnoticed by some of the top clubs around Europe, with Barcelona having emerged as the font-runner for his signature if a summer transfer can be agreed.
With Chelsea seemingly out of the race for the time being, Barcelona manager Xavi will be confident of adding Raphinha to an attack already containing the likes of former Premier League stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore.
Barcelona Boss Xavi has Restored Positivity to the Nou Camp
It is easy to see why a transfer to Barcelona would carry such an appeal for the likes of Raphinha. The Spanish giants have been gathering impressive momentum under the management of club legend Xavi, and appear ready to comete for the top hounours in the club game once more in the coming seasons.
Barcelona are also currently basking in the wake of a 4-0 thrashing of fierce rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico; a result that prompted veteran defender Gerard Pique to declare on Twitter that the club are now officially “back” from the chaos that marked the end of the Josep Maria Bartomeu era.
