Leeds face crippling Raphinha transfer blow as jaw-dropping offer ready – sources
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are readying a mammoth bid for Barcelona winger Raphinha that would deal Leeds United a huge financial blow, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed the Middle Eastern outfit are willing to offer a deal worth up to £86million to Barca – and are also ready to triple the 27-year-old’s current salary.
As per FBRef, Raphinha reportedly earns a weekly wage of more than £205,000-a-week in Catalonia.
The Brazil international left Leeds in 2022 but is yet to become a regular feature in the Barcelona side.
Barca paid a reported £55million to land the winger – and it has been claimed (via the Yorkshire Evening Post, January 2023) that the Whites will not be due a sell-on clause if he moves on to Saudi Arabia.
Leeds ‘won’t be due sell-on’ if Raphinha deal goes through
Liverpool and Tottenham have both been linked with a potential move for the left-footer in recent months, but it is Al-Hilal who are ready to make the first move in the summer window.
The four-time Asian Champions League winners already have a sizable Brazillian contingent at the club – with Renan Lodi, Neymar, Malcolm and Michael all on the books.
Raphinha has made 28 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona in the 2023-24 campaign, notching five goals and 10 assists.
However, he has started in just 12 of a possible 29 La Liga games this term in a sure sign he is not fully trusted by Barca boss Xavi.
The 27-year-old hit 17 goals in 67 games at Leeds between 2020 and 2022 and helped the Whites avoid relegation in the 2021-22 campaign.
In other news, Archie Gray offer expected at Leeds as Premier League giants swoop.
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