Raphinha: Leeds star tipped to push for ‘big’ move in potential contract U-turn – Mills
Danny Mills has suggested Raphinha could push for a “big” move away from Leeds United this summer after the change of manager.
The former Leeds defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 25-year-old does not have the “loyalty” the likes of Kalvin Phillips have for the Yorkshire giants.
Leeds replaced Marcelo Bielsa, who signed Raphinha from Rennes, with Jesse Marsch last week.
As revealed by Football Insider last month (3 February), Leeds were confident of tying the Brazilian down to a new contract that would make him the best-paid player at the club.
A Leeds source told this site a deal could be signed within weeks after a breakthrough in negotiations.
However, Mills admitted the managerial shakeup could affect Raphinha’s thinking ahead of the summer.
He warned the winger could push to leave Elland Road if a “big offer” comes in.
Asked if a change of manager could impact contract talks, Mills told Football Insider’s Connor Whitley: “Raphinha doesn’t have the loyalty to Leeds that Kalvin does.
“I think if there was a big offer that came in for him, he might even, not force it through, but would want it to happen more than Kalvin would.”
Raphinha’s current contract runs out in the summer of 2024.
The Brazilian played the full 90 minutes of Marsch’s first game in charge of Leeds.
The American kicked off his career at Elland Road with a 1-0 defeat against Leicester City.
Leeds will play host to Aston Villa on Thursday before another home game against Norwich City on Sunday.
Raphinha has scored nine times in 25 Premier League appearances this season, with two assists also under his belt.
In other news, a medical guru has revealed a new Liam Cooper comeback date after a “red herring” at Leeds United.