Leeds United transfer rumours as £17m approach made for Serie A defender and Raphinha exit warning
All of the latest Leeds United transfer rumours and gossip as Barcelona tell Raphinha he could be up for sale while elsewhere the Whites target another Serie A star.
Barcelona fire sale ‘warning’ at former Leeds United talisman after struggles
Barcelona’s higher-ups have reportedly sent a warning to former Leeds United star Raphinha’s agent, saying that he could be sold in the summer transfer window if his performances don’t pick up.
The Brazilian winger left Elland Road in July for a reported fee of £50 million following two stellar seasons with the Whites, but has struggled to acclimatise with his new surroundings in La Liga.
According to Spanish outlet, the Spanish giants ‘spoke’ with the 26-year-old’s agent and confirmed that they ‘expect something more from his performance’ after rumours swirled around a possible return to the Premier League either this month or in the summer.
The reports goes on to say that while everyone at Barcelona ‘knows the immense quality’ he possesses, ‘the numbers are clear’ with Raphinha posting just five goal involvements from his 16 La Liga appearances in all competitions this season so far.
Leeds United are reportedly one of three Premier League teams chasing the signature of Fiorentina centre-back Igor Julio after the Brazilian’s impressive performances in the Serie A this season.
According to Italian outlet Firenze Viola, the Whites are interested in making a late move for the Brazilian, who Fiorentina are ‘open to selling’ if the price tag of £17 million is matched.
Manager Jesse Marsch’s defensive unit is an area of the pitch which has already seen strengthening in this window with the arrival of Max Wober from Red Bull Salzburg but after shipping 33 goals in the first half of the season, it’s no surprise there’ll be further additions.
It’s believed that Leeds would face European competition for his signature however, with La Liga sides Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Real Betis also believed to be in the hunt for the 24-year-old.
