Pundit verdict on Raphinha re-signing for Leeds United after update from Spain
Alan Hutton has suggested ex-Leeds United striker Raphinha could make a return to the Premier League next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender suggested Raphinha would want to aim for a Champions League level team if he returns to the English top flight.
According to Spanish outlet Sport (22 December), Barcelona are willing to sell the 26-year-old if his form does not improve before the end of the season.
The winger put pen to paper on a five-year deal in the summer after making a £55million move from Leeds.
But manager Xavi is said to be getting “impatient” with the Brazilian who has scored just two league goals in 13 appearances this season.
Raphinha snubbed Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea to secure a move to the Spanish giants in the summer but could now be facing an exit.
When asked if the winger would return to Leeds if forced out of Barcelona, Hutton told Football Insider: “I can’t see it.
“There is no doubt there will be other admirers out there that will want his signature.
“He gives you that spark, that something different. He can make something happen out of nothing.
“Would he return to Leeds? I am not so sure to be quite honest.
“If there was a Champions League level team that were looking at that sort of player then of course he would come back.
“He wants to be competing at the highest level so why would he not be in the Premier League.“
In other news, a Leeds United employee thrilled by what he’s seen from Wilfried Gnonto as prediction made.