Leeds United has rejected Barca’s £29m bid for Raphinha according to reports.
Barcelona is interested in Raphinha as a replacement for Ousmane Dembele if he leaves this summer.
The 25-year-old has been incredible for Leeds United since his €20 million moves from Sporting Lisbon. The Brazilian had scored 15 goals in 57 appearances for Leeds united.
Raphinha has a contract at Leeds until 2024, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Bavarian giants Bayern Munich also monitoring his services.
A report on Monday revealed that the 25-year-old turned down a contract extension offer from Leeds which would have nearly doubled his wages at Elland Road.
According to reports, Leeds has rejected the €35 million offer and is demanding that Barcelona pay Raphinha’s €75 million release clause.
The arrival of Xavi as Barcelona coach and the resurgence of Barcelona could influence Raphina’s decision to switch to Barca.
Raphinha is an integral part of the national team and poised to play a role as Brazil seeks to win their sixth World cup this November in Qatar.
Will Dembele renew his Barcelona contract?
Dembele, whose contract expires this summer, is yet to renew his contract. but with the arrival of Havi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, his former Borussia Dortmund teammate has also been a positive for him. Barcelona Fans are convenience Dembele will renew his contract
The president of Barca Laporta confirmed that there is no news on the Frenchman wishing to continue at Camp Nou.
“Dembele is a wonderful, charming boy, [or] at least he hasn’t caused us problems since we took charge of the club,” Laporta insisted. “Perhaps we are seeing the best Dembele since [he joined] Barca, for sure. He is a player that the coaches have known how to manage better, starting with Xavi who is managing [things] wonderfully for the player.”
“But we made him a renewal offer that expired on December 20 last year. He decided not to take advantage of that renewal. Now Xavi says that he was counting on him because he is a player who makes a difference. Now, [the] renewal of Dembele? Let’s see, the option he had has expired and we are already setting salary levels that all those who stay next season will have to accept. Some levels that have to [be established to] maintain the sustainability and balance of the club and the squad,” Laporta added.
“Well, this is on the right track,” Laporta said. “Yes, they are players that we want to continue, within these salary levels that we are establishing. We would like them to continue for many years.” Everything is going perfectly normally with Araujo and Gavi,” the president insisted.
