According to our information, Raphinha has agreed the personal terms of a summer transfer to Barcelona, but negotiations with Leeds have been put on hold until the end of the season, with both clubs having more pressing concerns at present. .
Elland Road players are still preoccupied with their Premier League status, with a crucial last game to go in their fight against the descent, while Camp Nou leaders scramble to free up squad space and Xavi’s salary cap so that additional reinforcements can be brought in.
The Camp Nou bosses are trying to free up space in the squad and in Xavi’s salary cap in order to sign new players.
Not to miss
Will Raphinha leave Leeds for Barcelona?
The 25-year-old striker, who has seven caps for the national team, is represented by former Barca star Deco, with whom he has worked since June 2021.
Contact with Leeds has been made through the ex-Portugal international, with the Whites making it clear they will only enter into full talks after their domestic campaign is over, following a trip to Brentford on Sunday.
Raphinha hopes to lead his current club to stay, but a significant reduction in his release clause will be triggered if the team led by American coach Jesse Marsch are relegated to the English Premier League.
If Leeds were to fall in the Championship, Barça could then acquire the South American for 25 million euros.
The La Liga giants have yet to make an official offer but Raphinha has made it clear to those living in West Yorkshire that he wants to leave – efforts to sign him to a new contract have been unsuccessful .
Can FC Barcelona make a deal for Raphinha?
Raphinha is now keen to join FC Barcelona, but there are a number of hurdles to clear before the transfer can happen.
Xavi has admitted as much in recent weeks, and the Blaugrana boss says departures will be needed before he can consider arrivals.
After the permanent transfer of Philippe Coutinho to Aston Villa, the objective is to obtain the departure of other high-income players in the coming weeks. Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, Neto and Frenkie de Jong could be transferred, while Ousmane Dembele is set to become a free agent.
Without a contribution of funds and without a reduction in the wage bill, Barça will not be able to register those it covets.
Raphinha is now waiting in the wings, while personal terms have also been agreed with AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie and Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen – two players who will be out of contract at the end of the season. year 2021-22 and which can be acquired without the need to pay transfer compensation.