Leeds United news: Raphinha is ‘gone no matter what’ after footage emerges in last 48 hours – pundit
Leeds United could have appointed Pep Guardiola as Marcelo Bielsa’s successor and Raphinha would still leave Elland Road in the summer.
That is the view of ex-Aston Villa and England attacker Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Raphinha’s situation now Bielsa has been replaced by Jesse Marsch.
The relationship between the pair appeared strained towards the end of Bielsa’s reign when he was brought off at half-time against Everton (12 February) last month and then dropped to the bench for the following game against Man United (20 February).
Raphinha was spotted warmly embracing Marsch on his first day at Thorp Arch in a video released on Monday (28 February) when his appointment was confirmed.
There are still questions marks over his future with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2024 with no sign negotiations over a new deal have progressed.
Asked what impact Marsch will have on his future, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Raphinha is gone no matter what.
“You could bring in Pep Guardiola and he would still go.
“He is a regular in the Brazil squad now he will want to be playing regularly in the big boy competitions like his Brazil teammates.
“He’s been disrespected by Bielsa recently. Leaving him on the bench, bringing him off at half-time. He’s your best player, you shouldn’t be doing that.
“If I’m Raphinha, I’m 100 per cent looking to leave in the summer.”
Raphinha has scored nine times and provided two assists in 24 Premier League games for Leeds this term.
The 25-year-old has 15 goals and 11 assists in 54 top-flight games for the White.
In other news, Leeds United have been handed a ‘big’ transfer boost by a 16 goal/assist sensation.