Leeds United transfer news: Raphinha's value about to rocket by £25m amid major development
Raphinha's Leeds United value is set to rocket by around £25million when he puts pen to paper on a new contract, Football Insider understands.
This site revealed on Thursday (3 February) that the Brazil international, 25, is close to agreeing terms on a new deal after the latest round of talks between his agent Deco and United.
A Leeds source revealed to Football Insider that the new contract is essential to protect the value of one of their two prize assets along with Kalvin Phillips.
Raphinha signed a four-year deal when he joined from Stade Rennais in the summer of 2020 for around £17m.
His value has tripled since that point as a result of two outstanding seasons in the Premier League.
But Leeds are aware that Raphinha's market price will start to tumble once he reaches the final two years of his contract.
It would drop to around the £35m mark even if he maintains his recent impressive form.
A new deal would be unlikely to keep predators at bay in the summer window but would increase Raphinha's value by £25m to around the £60m mark.
That is likely to be around the price interested clubs would need to pay to prise the Brazilian from Elland Road once he puts pen to paper.
That is now expected to happen following the recent breakthrough in negotiations.
West Ham were among the clubs who enquired about Raphinha in the January window but Leeds knocked back their approach.