Morning transfer news: Marsch now set to lose Leeds player with 'incredible engine' this summer

A further update has now emerged regarding Leeds United winger Raphinha and a potential summer move to La Liga giants Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has been the Whites’ star performer in what is actually his first full season at Elland Road, having joined in October 2020.

Described by Phil Hay as having an ‘incredible engine’, Raphinha leads the club’s charts when it comes to goals, assists and man of the match awards, as per WhoScored.

His displays in Yorkshire have attracted major interest from Barcelona, with reports towards the end of April suggesting that a move to Spain was ‘very close’.

Spanish outlet Sport provided a fresh update regarding Barcelona and Raphinha on Saturday morning, claiming that the Brazilian’s ‘first goal’ is to do everything he can to help Leeds avoid the drop from the Premier League.

He is ‘tremendously grateful’ to the Whites, but when the summer transfer window opens, ‘he will force whatever is necessary’ for Leeds chiefs to accept a move to the Nou Camp.

Leeds have failed to kick on following last season’s ninth-placed finish in the Premier League, although on a personal note, Raphinha certainly has improved from the 2020/21 campaign.

Therefore, you can understand why the talented winger would want to pursue a move to Barcelona and take the next step in his career.

Leeds know that relegation would result in a €25m (£21.3m) relegation release clause becoming active for Raphinha, so it is vital that Jesse Marsch’s team remain in the top flight as they look to secure the best deal possible for the 25-year-old.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now make first move to sign ‘undefendable’ star in blow to Everton

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