Leeds United news: Danny Mills fears Raphinha is becoming ‘a problem’ after update
Raphinha is about to become a “problem” for Leeds United after being “unsettled” by Barcelona’s interest in him.
That’s according to former Leeds United defender Danny Mills, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Brazilian’s future.
As reported by Spanish publication Sport on Tuesday (29 March), Barca are readying a second offer worth an initial £33.9million (€40million) for the 25-year-old.
It is claimed a further £8.5million (€10million) could be included in add-ons with the club’s initial offer of £29.6million (€35million) rebuffed.
The Catalan giants reportedly will not improve on their offer, knowing that Raphinha has a £21.2million (€25million) release clause if Leeds are relegated.
Mills claims Barcelona’s first bid was made to unsettle Raphinha, which could become a problem for Leeds.
“What that low bid does, is unsettle the player,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“It says to the player and his agent, ‘we’re interested and we want you’. Suddenly the player is thinking ‘Barcelona want me’.
“If there is intent from Barcelona’s side, it firms the whole thing up and it makes it awkward for Leeds United in that situation.
“This isn’t a Kalvin Phillips scenario when he’s been here his whole life, he’s been here for a couple of years.
“For a South American, Barcelona is a huge draw. Now they have declared their interest, will Raphinha become a bit of a problem?
“At the end under Bielsa, he didn’t look happy.
“Raphinha has to think if he wants to play in the bottom half of the Premier League or in the Champions League with Barcelona.”
In other news, pundit suggests Leeds United could now sell Raphinha for “£50million” after transfer update.