Leeds United could be set to receive an approach from Barcelona regarding a potential transfer move for Raphinha this summer.
What's the news?
According to a recent report from Sport (via Leeds Live), the La Liga club are ready to launch a move to sign the Leeds winger during the current summer transfer period.
Given Barcelona's recent record of signing players from Premier League clubs such as Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore, it seems as though the Leeds star is the next figure they want to take from England.
After having spells in Brazil, Portugal and France, the 25-year-old joined the Yorkshire club back in October 2020 from Rennes in a deal worth £17m.
Leeds fans would be fuming
The Brazilian has become a crucial figure for the Whites since signing, having scored 17 goals and delivered 12 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions.
To further highlight his importance to Jesse Marsch's side, the winger ended his latest campaign with the club as their top goalscorer in the league with 11 goals to his name as well as three assists in 35 outings.
Meanwhile, Raphinha topped the list for the highest average of shots, key passes and dribbles per game at the club.
His overall performances earned him a solid season rating of 6.97/10, making him the highest-rated outfield player at Leeds according to WhoScored.
Taking all of this into account, it's easy to see why Barcelona would want to add a player like Raphinha to their ranks but it also shows why Leeds supporters would not be happy to see him leave this summer.
Should Xavi's side make an approach to Leeds to sign their winger in the coming weeks, it would surely take a mega-money deal to take the Brazilian out of Elland Road with a £47m being mooted.
Couple that with Barcelona's financial difficulties, and could be of some comfort to Leeds fans that a potential move to the Camp Nou may not be straightforward.
The Leeds hierarchy should be doing all they can to keep Raphinha at the club and convince him to continue his journey with the Whites and help Marsch take the team forward.