Leeds United star Raphinha has put talks of a new contract with the Yorkshire outfit on hold as he awaits offers from bigger clubs, according to goal.
The Brazilian has been a sole shining light for Leeds this campaign, providing 8 goals and 2 assists in 21 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s undermanned side.
Raphinha has put contract talks with Leeds on hold as he waits on offers from Europe’s top clubs ?? pic.twitter.com/xYFsNyMdBI
— GOAL (@goal) February 16, 2022
But, signed in the summer of 2020, he will have just two years left to run on his contract at Elland Road come the summer, and has caught the eye of several in Europe’s top circles.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all been linked with the gifted Selecao international, and it seems unlikely that he will be remaining at Leeds United for too much longer on the back of his performances.
As a result, a move could be on the cards this summer, as that will be when his value to Bielsa’s side is highest.
A perfect fit for Chelsea?
On first glance, Chelsea seems like the perfect destination for the Brazilian. Liverpool have already added Luis Diaz to their ranks, and are in the process of trying to renew the contracts of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich can call upon Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane, while Real Madrid already have Vinicius Junior and are heavy favourites to land Kylian Mbappe on a free this summer.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: Raphinha of Leeds United is fouled by Romain Saiss of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on October 23, 2021 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
This leaves Chelsea with a potentially golden opportunity. Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner have all flattered to deceive since making big-money moves to Stamford Bridge, while academy graduate Callum Hudson Odoi is yet to live up to the lofty expectations fans have of him.
A Premier League-proven talent could well buck the trend of disappointment.
