Report: Leeds could lose in-demand star for 33% of release clause if one thing happens

Chelsea are the current front-runners to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, according to a fresh transfer report which has emerged.

The 25-year-old has been a fantastic signing for the Whites since joining from Rennes, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists in 54 appearances.

Inevitably, Raphinha’s performances for Leeds have caught the eye of some major clubs, and he has been continually linked with a move away from Elland Road in the near future.

The Brazil international’s current contract expires in the summer of 2024 but he is yet to agree a new deal with the Yorkshire club.

According to a report from Gianluigi Longari for Football Transfers, a summer exit is still potentially on the cards, with Chelsea leading the race to snap up Raphinha, having ‘tabled an offer’ for the 25-year-old.

The Brazil international is reportedly open to joining the reigning European and world champions, and despite having a release clause of €75m (£62.7m) in his Leeds contract, he could be signed for a mere €25m (£20.9m) if the Whites are relegated from the Premier League, which is not an unrealistic scenario.

La Liga giants Barcelona are also mentioned in the report but it is Thomas Tuchel’s side who appear to be making the most positive progress at the moment.

Raphinha’s body language hasn’t always impressed in recent weeks, with a woeful showing at Everton a case in point, but he did well off the substitutes’ bench against Manchester United, scoring Leeds’ equaliser in the second half before they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat.

It could be that the winger’s head is turned by a possible big-money move in the summer, with the lure of Champions League football too inviting to turn down for many players.

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