Leeds face crippling Raphinha transfer blow as jaw-dropping offer ready - sources

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Published on:

26 Mar 2024, 5:07 am

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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