Leeds United transfer news: Raphinha return this summer is ‘impossible’
Barcelona star Raphinha will not be making a return to Leeds United, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old Brazilian winger left Elland Road in a £55million move to the La Liga giants last summer.
But the ongoing financial issues at Camp Nou mean that Barcelona will have to sell players to balance the books, and Raphinha has been identified as an asset that could be sold to raise funds.
A number of clubs are showing interest in a move for Raphinha, including Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (31 March) that Arsenal are long-term admirers of Raphinha and are considering a bid to sign him this summer.
A return to Yorkshire has also been rumoured, but Leeds consider it financially impossible to bring Raphinha back to the club.
Leeds currently face an uncertain future in the Premier League, sitting just one point above the relegation zone after Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Arsenal.
It is understood that Barcelona will want to break even on their £55million investment for Raphinha should he be sold this summer, and the Whites board are unable to commit to such large spending.
Raphinha has impressed in Spain this season, scoring and assisting nine times across 38 appearances this season.
Xavi is an admirer of the Brazilian and hailed him as “the future of Barcelona” earlier this season, and the Spanish manager would prefer to hold on to him next season.
However, if Barcelona do put Raphinha up for sale to raise funds then a Premier League return is most likely for the talented winger.
In other news, Leeds United have accepted six-figure Mateusz Bogusz bid