By Wayne Veysey

25th Mar, 2023 | 1:00pm

Leeds United transfer news: Update on Raphinha re-signing this summer

Leeds United would “jump at the chance” to bring Raphinha back to the club this summer with the winger potentially ready to return to England, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that Barcelona may have to cash in on the 26-year-old in the off-season due to their well-publicised financial troubles.

However, Leeds are not likely to be in the running for the winger’s signature – even if they remain in the Premier League for the 2023-24 campaign.

The potential fee to bring Raphinha back to the club, as well as the Brazil international’s lofty wages, are likely to be out of reach for the Elland Road club.

He would also prefer to join a Champions League calibre side if he is to return to England’s top flight.

The former Rennes star enjoyed a fruitful two-season spell with the Yorkshire giants between 2020 and 2022, notching 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 games.

Raphinha’s sparkling form in the 2021-22 season helped preserve Leeds’ top-flight status and earned him a move to Barcelona for a reported £55million.

Since arriving at the Nou Camp, the 26-year-old has managed nine goals and nine assists in 38 appearances despite not starting regularly for Xavi’s side.

He earns a reported wage of over £210,000-a-week on his contract with the Catalan giants – which runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Leeds moved to replace Raphinha with stars like Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra – who have both been among the more successful of the club’s transfer conquests this season.

The Whites sit 14th in the Premier League but are just two points above the drop zone with 11 games left.

In other news, pundit “100%” sure on Wilfried Gnonto quitting Leeds United after what he’s seen.