---
title: "Leeds: New deal for Raphinha is getting closer"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-phil-hay-shares-raphinha-update-2/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2022-01-20T09:47:11Z"
modified: "2022-01-20T09:48:58Z"
---

# Leeds: New deal for Raphinha is getting closer

**Leeds United are making good progress in what would be their first major piece of business this month – contract discussions with star man Raphinha, [Phil Hay](https://theathletic.com/3074521/2022/01/18/breaking-down-raphinhas-masterclass-against-west-ham/) reports.**

### The Lowdown: Bayern rumours

Raphinha, described by Paul Merson as a player [‘full of energy’](https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/01/blogs/premier-league/leeds-united/leeds-united-paul-merson-heaps-praise-on-raphinha/), has been a revelation at Elland Road following his move in 2020.

\[freshpress-poll id=”385214″\]

The 25-year-old has contributed to [25](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdaten/spieler/411295) goals in [50](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdaten/spieler/411295) appearances, scoring [eight](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdaten/spieler/411295) times so far this season, with Hay describing the display at West Ham last weekend as a ‘[masterclass](https://twitter.com/PhilHay_/status/1483771242494709762)‘.

His impressive displays have led to [rumours](https://twitter.com/ZachLowy/status/1474471327461523459) of a move to German giants Bayern Munich over the festive period. However, the Whites are looking to reward the Brazilian with an improved deal.

### The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay took to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/philhay_/status/1483711042379292672?s=21) on Wednesday morning, revealing Leeds are ‘are increasingly confident of finalising a new contract with Raphinha.’

He shared a link to an analysis piece of Raphinha’s display against the Hammers on [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/3074521/2022/01/18/breaking-down-raphinhas-masterclass-against-west-ham/), where he added that the Whites are making good progress regarding a new deal.

### The Verdict: Brilliant news

[Hay](https://theathletic.com/3037152/2021/12/28/leicester-model-helps-explain-why-leeds-selling-raphinha-in-january-would-make-no-sense/) previously claimed that the winger’s wage is a ‘fairly modest’ one by Premier League standards, with [Salary Sport](https://salarysport.com/football/premier-league/leeds-united/) having him down as the club’s third-highest earner on £63,000-a-week.

Therefore, handing him improved terms is a shrewd and easy call and one that should keep all parties happy.

Raphinha has comfortably been the club’s best-performing player this season, as per [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/19/Show/England-Leeds), so this update is just as important as a new signing, especially with the forward proving key under Marcelo Bielsa over the last 18 months.

Even if he does eventually leave, a new deal ensures Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani can get the best deal possible when that time comes.

***In other news: [‘Leeds have also tabled a bid…’ – More transfer news emerges after Aaronson move.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-david-anderson-drops-more-transfer-news/)***