Leeds United have had a shaky start to their season, failing to collect enough points in the first eleven games of the season to keep them away from the relegation conversation.
Bielsa’s side has been plagued with injuries and inconsistencies of form in their 2021/22 Premier League campaign so far which is a far cry from their previous season as a newly promoted side, finishing ninth.
One player that will offer a boost in the team’s performances going forward, is Raphinha, who has recently returned from a minor injury and will be hoping to add attacking threat to the struggling side to secure points and climb the table.
Raphinha has been heavily linked with several different clubs since the summer, with Liverpool being the front runners to potentially get the signature of the popular Brazilian international.
Liverpool have had many links to the £28.8m-rated forward, with former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor chiming in on his thoughts on the Brazilian recently in an interview with Football Insider.
“I’ve said it many times but without Raphinha, Leeds would get relegated this season,” he said.
“He’s the only bright spark going forward.
“Raphinha, he’s a cut above Leeds. He’s going to look at moving and there’s going to be a lot of clubs around Europe looking for his signature because he’s outstanding.”
Leeds United’s director of football, Victor Orta, will have a challenge on his hands to keep the star player at the club, if performances and league positioning doesn’t begin to pick up in the next few months.
Despite links to a move away, Raphinha spoke out about his desire to play Champions League football with Leeds United.
When asked if he wanted to play Champions League football in an interview with news outlet AS.
“Of course. I’m very happy at Leeds and hopefully we can play in the Champions League.”
Bielsa will have to perform nothing short of a miracle to secure a Champions League spot this season, with his side currently 12 points adrift from fourth place, West Ham.
The main focus for Leeds and Bielsa will be securing a safe spot in the Premier League next season, and without Raphinha it could be the final nail in the coffin that sends Leeds back for another spell in the Championship. With 11 goals and nine assists since his arrival in English football, it’s evident how important he is to the cause.
The club should be working to do whatever it takes to keep the £63k-per-week attacker at Elland Road, especially in the winter transfer window where Leeds could be caught vulnerable for relegation.
Winning points in the next few weeks could be crucial to whether Raphinha jumps ship or helps Leeds triumph to another season in the Premier League in 2022.
In other news: This midfield partnership could be the recipe for beating Spurs…
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