Leeds: Phil Hay drops Raphinha update

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has provided an update on Raphinha’s Elland Road future.
The Lowdown: Key to survival
In recent months, the Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona. Raphinha has a €25m relegation release clause in his current contract, but he played a key role in helping the club remain in the top flight.
He ended the season as the top scorer with 11 goals and was the club’s best-rated performer, as per WhoScored. Survival has seemingly made a move to the Nou Camp trickier, and reliable reporter Hay has dropped a development regarding his immediate future.
The Latest: Hay reveals price tag
Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Friday morning regarding Raphinha.
He learnt from ‘sources’ close to the club that ‘it is likely to take a bid of between £60m and £70m’ to get the winger out of Leeds this summer, with the club not expecting the 25-year-old to sign a new deal in Yorkshire.
The Verdict: Correct valuation
Reports had previously stated that Leeds would accept £40m for their star man despite staying up, but it’s good to see that Hay has cleared that up with a valuation way above that mark.
With two years left on his current deal, this summer could be the only time the club can value Raphinha in the £60m-£70m bracket.
As Hay mentions, though, the club are under no pressure to sell this summer or accept any cut-price bid, so it looks as if there is now a real possibility we could see Raphinha remain at Elland Road, with Leeds in firm control of any potential sale.
In other news: Reporter says Leeds and Orta may now hijack rivals’ move for ‘outstanding’ star.
