Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to Raphinha’s proposed move to Barcelona.
The Lowdown: Fee agreed
Raphinha remained in Yorkshire over the weekend looking to resolve his future as Leeds jetted to Australia for their pre-season tour, and it now looks as if he will get his wish with a move to Barcelona well and truly in the pipeline.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday that an agreement was in place for Leeds to receive a guaranteed €58m (£48.9m) plus bonuses.
Phil Hay stated on Wednesday morning that the winger is heading to Barcelona to undergo a medical ahead of an Elland Road exit, with the club eventually confirming a deal is in place worth a total £55m with add-ons.
The Latest: Robinson reacts
Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News following the updates on Raphinha.
He was stunned that Barca have managed to agree a fee, labelling their financial situation as ‘incredible’ - the La Liga giants are in a scarcely believable boardroom meltdown for a club of their stature, currently owing millions to their players in outstanding wages.
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“Barcelona’s financial situation is incredible.
“They’re always going to be Barcelona and always have the pull, they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world and it’s a huge thing.
“But financially, they haven’t got the muscle they had of old.”
The Verdict: Big loss
Raphinha has clearly had his heart set on a move to Barcelona, and it’s fair to say he’ll leave with best wishes from the Elland Road faithful regardless of the bizarre circumstances surrounding the Catalan club's finances.
If it wasn’t for his 11 goals and three assists last season, Leeds may have been preparing for life back in the Championship and Raphinha would have left for much less.
The Brazilian will be a big loss in Yorkshire, though, with Victor Orta labelling him as a player who is ‘physically very good’. Indeed, he didn’t just contribute with goals and assists but was also top of the charts when it came to sprints per game, fouls won, and key passes completed per 90 minutes. [WhoScored]
Hopefully, new signing Luis Sinisterra will be able to fill the void left by Raphinha, but it’ll be a big ask in his first season in the Premier League.