Raphinha Is FC Barcelona’s ‘Number One’ Transfer Target To Sign From Leeds United

Raphinha has become FC Barcelona’s number one transfer target this summer as they look to strengthen their forward line for next season.

Sport claim that the Blaugrana will halt ‘Operation Haaland’, which will cost a rumored $340mn all said and done, in order to launch a fresh assault on the 25-year-old left-footer who has club legend Deco has his agent at present.

According to the daily newspaper, the Catalans have already submitted a €35mn ($38.5mn) bid for the Brazil international which was knocked back. But if they were were successful with another proposal, they would then offer the youngster a five-season contract.

Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff have taken over negotiations, which Sport say are “on the right track”, with the approval of first team coach Xavi Hernandez as they aim to reach a definitive agreement with relegation-threatened Premier League outfit Leeds United over the next few weeks.

Barca see signing an explosive wide man as crucial given that Ousmane Dembele looks certain to leave the club for Paris Saint Germain on June 30. Like the Frenchman, Raphinha has blistering pace and is deadly in one-on-one situations but his finishing is perhaps viewed as better and more powerful from his left foot.

Raphinha also plays very openly and provides his teams with width while tactically-disciplined. His high pressure approach to win the ball back when his team lose it will bode well in Xavi’s team, but Barca also have competition from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool – who have made offers for the Gaucho native of Rio Grande do Sul state – plus Champions League rivals Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian has reportedly knocked back approaches from Leeds to double his current salary and also wants them to reduce his £70mn ($92mn) release clause according to UOL Esporte in Brazil.

Since landing in England from Rennes in 2020, Raphinha has made 57 league appearances in the English top flight with 15 goals (nine of which were scored this season) and 12 assists to his name.

In the meantime, he has also broken into the Brazil national team and is likely to head to the World Cup in Qatar at the end of the year.