Raphinha tipped to reject new Leeds contract after Hay update today – pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Raphinha will not sign a new Leeds United contract.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Raphinha is Champions League quality and will be “onto bigger and better things”.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed on Friday (14 January), via Leeds Live, that the club had opened talks with their star winger over a new deal.
Phil Hay of the Athletic reported today (19 January) negotiations are progressing well and Leeds hope to conclude a deal before the end of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old’s current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024 after he signed a four-year deal when he complete a move from Rennes in October 2020.
He hit the ground running at Elland Road and has not looked back with 14 goals and 11 assists in 48 Premier League games for Leeds.
Asked whether he expects the Yorkshire giants to be able to secure Raphinha to a new deal, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I don’t think so, to be honest.
“I look at Raphinha and he knows he could be playing Champions League football tomorrow, he’s that good.
“It doesn’t make sense for him and his agent to sign on for Leeds, to be honest. He’s onto bigger and better things than Leeds can offer him.”
Raphinha has been Leeds’ best player this term with eight goals and two assists in 18 league games.
He has been directly involved in 41.67 per cent of the club’s top-flight goals this season.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed Leeds United are immune to a Government Crackdown after a £6million sponsor reveal.