Raphinha’s future at Leeds United: Liverpool transfer link, Bayern Munich plan, agent’s view

The Reds have repeatedly been linked with the Brazilian in recent weeks.
Raphinha of Leeds United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Raphinha of Leeds United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Raphinha of Leeds United. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

With the January transfer window now a matter of days away, the rumour mill is beginning to work itself into a frenzy.

One particularly persistent piece of speculation involves Liverpool and their widely-reported interest in Leeds United star Raphinha.

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But the Reds might not be alone in their admiration for the player, and as developments continue to gather at pace we’ve taken a look at all of the latest information you need to know about a transfer rumour that refuses to disappear.

What are the links between Liverpool and Raphinha?

Liverpool have been linked with Raphinha for a while now, and it’s not hard to see why.

Despite Leeds currently sitting just above the relegation zone, the Brazilian has hit eight goals in 16 Premier League matches, and has consistently looked like the best player in the Whites’ squad.

The latest update on the Reds’ purported pursuit comes from the Liverpool Echo, who suggest that Anfield chiefs are continuing to assess the 25-year-old ahead of a potential swoop.

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At the time of writing, bookmakers price the likelihood of a January move at 7/1.

What are the links between Bayern Munich and Raphinha?

Much like Liverpool, the German giants have been mentioned in relation to Raphinha on numerous occasions in recent weeks.

And while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has refuted claims that contact has already been made between Bayern and Leeds, various reports have suggested that the Bundesliga side are willing to step up their efforts to lure him away from Elland Road.

TNT Sports even went as far as to claim that a January move was in the offing for a fee of around £42 million, but the ever-reliable Romano looks to have quelled that whisper somewhat.

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Either way, there have now been tabloid reports in this country that suggest Bayern will look to properly test Leeds’ resolve in the near future by tabling an official offer.

At the the time of writing, bookmakers price the likelihood of a January move to Germany at a considerably shorter 2/1.

What has Raphinha’s agent said on the matter?

The Brazilian is represented by former Barcelona midfielder Deco, and the 44-year-old has spoken openly about his client’s future in the past.

He claims Raphinha has “ambitions to play at a higher level” than Leeds United and that he will leave at some point - although he has also suggested that the Brazilian international will not agitate for a transfer.

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Speaking to Globo Esporte in October, Deco said: “Raphinha is happy at Leeds, and for sure the time will come to take the biggest leap in his career, to take a step forward.

“Leeds are aware. They will want to make an important sale, and Raphinha will end up growing in his career.

“Raphinha has a market and Leeds have high expectations, it was never a project in a hurry.

“He has ambitions to play at a higher level despite Leeds being in the Premier League. Things will happen naturally.”

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For his part, the player claimed in a recent interview that he is happy at Elland Road.

What have Leeds said on the matter?

While Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani hasn’t explicitly or specifically addressed the situation surrounding Raphinha, he has spoken in the past about the necessity of occasionally selling top talent for a club of Leeds’ size.

The Elland Road chief told Forbes: “We will have to sell maybe one or two key players and buy other talents coming up like Leicester did in the past, so we need to be humble and realistic about our means.”