By Danny Mills

10th Jun, 2022 | 11:52am

Raphinha may now be staying at Leeds United after £428m reveal - Mills

Raphinha may be forced to stay at Leeds United if Barcelona’s financial issues mean they cannot complete a deal, according to Danny Mills.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites and England defender claimed it looks like Barcelona is the only club Raphinha wants to join.

As quoted by Spanish outlet Sport on Thursday (9 June), Barca’s economic vice president Eduard Romeu revealed the club need to find €500million (£428million) to save themselves from financial ruin.

The Daily Mail reported earlier this week (6 June) that Leeds have told the Catalan giants they want at least £55million for Raphinha who has two years left on his current contract.

Leeds are in a strong negotiating position after ensuring their Premier League survival with a 2-1 win over Brentford on the final day of the 2021-22 season last month (22 May).

Asked whether Barcelona’s situation could see the 25-year-old stay at Elland Road, Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Definitely.

“We saw it with Sergio Aguero when he went there and they weren’t able to register him. Of course, then health issues then took over.

“Barcelona have got a few issues financially.

“If that move doesn’t happen it’s where else does Raphinha go? Who else wants him? Who else is going to take him?
It looked like Barcelona was the only team he wanted to go to.

“It might have to be a rethink if he wants to move on.”

Raphinha scored 11 and assisted three of Leeds’ 42 Premier League goals in the 2021-22 season.

The Brazil international moved to the Whites in the summer of 2020 and now has 29 top-flight goal contributions in 65 appearances.

In other news, a ‘huge’ Leeds United transfer claim has been issued after a significant Victor Orta reveal.