Raphinha tipped to sign new Leeds contract with release clause – pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped Leeds United to include a release clause in any new contract for Raphinha with talks reportedly underway.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he is “pretty sure” the 25-year-old would want to ensure there is a path out of Elland Road in case a European giant comes calling.
As reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post on Sunday (26 December), Leeds are in discussions with Raphinha over a new and improved deal.
The Sun (27 December) claim Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, journalist Gianluigi Longari (26 December) has reported Chelsea are also in the hunt for his capture.
Hutton suggested Raphinha may sign a new deal on the condition there is a release clause in his terms.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I know Leeds is a big club, huge fanbase but when we’re talking that kind of level of team coming in, it’s very difficult to hold onto them. It’s difficult to stand in their way.
“We’ll have to see who comes in with a solid concrete offer.
“If he signs a new contract, I’m pretty sure there will be something in there allowing him to leave for a certain value. I wonder if there’ll be something in there about a release clause.
“It makes both sides happy, both the player and the club.”
Raphinha is currently contracted to Leeds until 2024.
He joined the club from Rennes for a reported £17million in 2020.
In other news, pundit issues ‘huge’ Leeds United claim after Phil Hay’s January transfer reveal.