Leeds journalist Phil Hay has dropped a claim on Brazil international Raphinha amid speculation over his future...
What's the talk?
Responding to a fan's question regarding the Brazilian's situation heading into January, the Athletic journalist played down the prospect of him leaving Elland Road.
Hay said that a big-money move for Raphinha would be more likely to arise at the end of the campaign, rather than midway through.
“Re: Raphinha – I see no sense at all in Leeds entertaining bids in January.
“It’s not like his value is going to diminish and you’re unsettling your squad at a key point of the season. Add to that the fact that the most elite clubs don’t tend to do big deals in January.
“If they’re doing a Grealish or a Kane for example, those offers tend to come in the summer window because there’s more time to negotiate and value for money tends to be slightly better.”
Delight
Leeds United fans will surely be delighted with these comments from Phil Hay as they appear to rule out the prospect of Raphinha departing in January. Liverpool were recently touted with having an interest in the forward and that news could have left some feeling concerned about what could happen in the winter market.
However, Hay has allayed those fears by stating that there would be no sense in Leeds cashing in on him. Victor Orta appears unlikely to sanction a sale in January and Leeds fans may be able to enjoy Raphinha's talents for the rest of the season, at least.
Selling him next summer, if at all, would give Leeds plenty of time to source a replacement and reinvest the funds ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. Whereas, if he left in January it would leave little room for Orta to work with to ensure the Whites do not go into the second half of the season with a lack of firepower.
Raphinha has three goals in seven Premier League matches this season and was directly involved in 15 goals in 26 starts last term - six goals and nine assists. This shows the level of impact he is capable of having on the team in the top-flight, as he has proven that he can both score and assist goals for Leeds - making him a potential game-winner every time he steps on the field.
Therefore, Leeds fans will love Hay's comments dissuading the notion that Raphinha could leave in January. They will surely want a player of his talent to remain at Elland Road and, hopefully, that will be the case.
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