Ex-Leeds United star: Raphinha may stay at Elland Road after ‘scary’ update
Raphinha may stay at Leeds United for the 2022-23 season due to Barcelona’s financial woes.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Brazilian’s future.
As reported by The Athletic (3 June), Leeds have set a £60million-plus asking price on the Brazilian’s head after avoiding relegation.
The winger did have a relegation release clause in his terms but the Whites survived on the final day of the 2021-22 season.
However, the Whites are now able to demand what they want for his capture with Barcelona heavily linked with a move.
However, Kenny struggles to see Barcelona completing a deal after Barca’s economic vice president Eduard Romeu revealed the club need to find €500million (£428million) to save themselves from financial ruin (Sport, 9 June).
“I can’t see Barcelone being able to afford him in the first place,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I was reading about how they need to raise half a billion quid. How’s that happened at Barcelona? It’s scary.
“Now it is whether anyone else is interested in signing Raphinha now.
“Who else could come in for him at that price?
“If no one comes on for him he just has to get his head down and keep working hard.“
aphinha scored 11 goals in 35 games for Leeds United during the 2021-22 season.
His penalty on the final day v Brentford (22 May) helped his side retain their top-flight status.
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