Leeds given huge Raphinha contract update, despite claims shock Spain transfer is on
Leeds remain confident they can tie star man Raphinha down to a new deal at Elland Road, despite claims the winger is pushing for a move to Spain.
The Brazilian has elevated his status to new levels after starring for Brazil in recent months. As such, it is no surprise to see Leeds looking to reward their star man with a bumper new deal.
And while Raphinha still has over two years still left on his current deal, the Yorkshire club want to extend his stay and make him their highest earner in the process.
However, the Yorkshire Evening Post are adamant that Leeds remain hopeful of securing a new deal for their star man.
They claim that, contrary to the reports, talks between them and his agent Deco remain ongoing.
And while an agreement is not imminent, they state negotiations remain in “a positive place”.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has also welcomed the efforts to tie Raphinha down.
He said: “I think it is a great decision [to agree a new deal] – Raphinha is the best player in the team in all the senses.
“Physically, he is the best, technically he is at the level of the best and the interpretation that he has of the game is very good, very wise. He is within the group of such a powerful nation as Brazil.
“He shines in the Premier League and he has the attention of all the big clubs in the world. As a result, the decision of the club can only be valued.”
That said, Raphinha continues to be strongly linked with moves to Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern Munich this summer.
Raphinha tipped for Real Madrid or Barcelona move
However, his countryman Kleberson, speaking to Paddy Power, claims a move to La Liga looks most likely.
“It’s going to be really hard for Leeds United to keep Raphinha,” Kleberson said.
“A few months ago, many people thought that he was a good player, but he wasn’t rated that highly.
“However, after scoring for the Brazilian national team and emerging as Leeds’ best player, people are now talking about him.
“It’s going to be really hard for Leeds to keep him because there will be offers.
“Brazilians are always looking for a move away and a new challenge. They do well – then they look for their next challenge.
“He will leave the Premier League, but it would be hard for him to move to a Champions League club and receive the same amount of game time.
“I like the way he plays. But when I watch him in the Premier League and for the Brazilian national team, he is a different player.
“His style would suit a team in La Liga so I could see him moving to Spain.”
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