Journalist shares interesting new Raphinha contract claim at LUFC, drops big 8-figure comment

Leeds United could start the bidding for Raphinha at £70m in the near future if they manage to get him to sign a new contract now, says journalist David Anderson.

The 25-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs, though it is thought that he is close to putting pen to paper on an extension at Elland Road.

West Ham tried to sign Raphinha, as well as his Leeds team-mate Kalvin Phillips, in the last transfer window if reports are to be believed.

According to 90min, the Hammers had a £50m bid turned down by their Premier League rivals for the Brazilian, while The Guardian claimed that a similar offer for Phillips was also rejected.

Leeds will now be hoping to get Raphinha, who has been a key player for Marcelo Bielsa since arriving at Elland Road in 2020, tied down to a new deal. And they seem to be making progress, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay stating last month that the Whites are confident it will get done.

He has arguably been Leeds’ best attacker since their return to the Premier League, scoring 14 goals in the competition, so it is no surprise that other clubs are now sniffing around.

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Even if Raphinha does go on to sign a new contract as expected, Anderson thinks he could still be sold in the near future for a huge fee.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the dilemma Leeds have, the Daily Mirror journalist said: “If you’ve got an asset and you tie him down, look at Harry Kane at Tottenham, all it does is bump up their transfer value because obviously the buying clubs will be like, ‘Hold on, this guy’s got three plus years left, young age. We’re going to have to pay serious money.’

“Maybe Leeds then, whether it’s this summer or summer of 2023,