Leeds United news: £70m Raphinha report ‘wows’ pundit as ‘big’ transfer expected
Alan Hutton has suggested Raphinha could remain at Leeds United past the summer if the club hold out for a £70million transfer fee.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted suitors would be reluctant to splash that much money on the 25-year-old.
As reported by Brazilian news outlet UOL on Monday (21 March), Raphinha has turned down the club’s opening contract offer as he wants his current release clause of £70million reduced.
Leeds are reportedly offering to almost double the winger’s wages but the release clause is a sticking point between the respective parties.
Hutton was “wowed” by the “big price tag”.
He insisted Raphinha would not be going anywhere this summer if Leeds force clubs to trigger the clause.
Reacting to the report, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Wow. I’m sure a lot of clubs would love him in the team but not for £70million.
“I like him, I think he’s a great player, he gives you that kind of X-Factor.
“You’ll have to wait and see but £70million? I mean, that is a big price tag.
“For as good as he is, I can’t see many teams willing to shell out that kind of money. I could be wrong. That’s the problem he’s got now.“
Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes for a reported £17million-plus-add-ons back in 2020.
He has scored 15 goals and contributed 12 assists in 59 appearances for the Yorkshire giants to date.
The Brazil international’s current contract at Elland Road runs until the summer of 2024.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has issued a triple-your-money Andrea Radrizzani claim after a £100million Leeds United reveal.