Leeds United transfer news: Raphinha tipped to join Champions League club after ‘ridiculous’ reveal – pundit
Raphinha may quit Leeds United in the summer to join a Champions League club, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted it would have been “ridiculous nonsense” if West Ham made a move for Raphinha in January.
A Hammers source told Football Insider on Saturday (29 January) they have a concrete interest in the winger and had asked about his availability.
A separate Leeds source revealed to this site the club had no intentions of cashing in on their star month in the January window and he remained a Whites player.
Instead they are working on securing the Brazil international to a “huge” new contract with his current deal set to expire in 2024.
“West Ham going in for Raphinha was the equivalent of Burnley going in for Lingard,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“It was the most ridiculous nonsense that was put out there.
“For one, Leeds are not going to sell Raphinha when they are in a relegation battle. They will wait until the end of the season.
“West Ham just put that out there to keep the fans happy.
“He’s not going to go to West Ham, let’s be honest. He could probably play Champions League football.
“If he’s going to leave Leeds he’ll go to a club playing Champions League football.”
Raphinha has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 19 Premier League games this term.
He now has 14 goals and 11 assists in 49 top-flight games since his move to Yorkshire in October 2020.
In other news, a Leeds United employee is thrilled by what he’s heard about a teenager at Thorp Arch.