Bayern Munich’s true feelings on a Raphinha transfer have come to light with a report also explaining why the Brazilian will not push to leave Leeds in January.
The future of the Brazil superstar has claimed plenty of column inches in recent weeks. Liverpool are long-term admirers of the player, while reports on Christmas Eve claimed a deal to take him to Bayern Munich has been agreed. That link to Bavaria was countered by a strong angle from the Leeds end over the Brazilian winger’s stay.
Despite this, speculation over Raphinha has continued to rage. Indeed, reports on Tuesday claimed Chelsea are ready to join the race to sign him. And in our Paper Talk it speculated the Blues are willing to shift three players in order to make room for the Brazilian.
Furthermore, his agent, Deco – the former Chelsea player – retains strong links at Stamford Bridge. As such, he’s reportedly keen for his client to move there.
Truth be told, it’s easy to see why the vultures are circling for Raphinha. His eight goals in 16 appearances this season has lit up Leeds and earmarked him as the stand-out player in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
That said, it seems their prospects of securing a Raphinha transfer in January appear off the mark.
That’s after the Daily Mirror reported that Raphinha has made it clear that he plans to see out the season at Leeds.
Raphinha won’t leave Leeds mid-season
The paper writes that, while he’s keen to play at a higher level, he will not leave Leeds high and dry. Bielsa’s side are very much embroiled in a fight for safety in the Premier League. With just three wins from 18 games, Leeds are 16th and just five points clear of 18th Burnley.
Next up for them is a clash against the Clarets at Elland Road on Sunday.
And while Leeds are keen to reward Raphinha with a new deal, Leeds know it may be when, rather than if, they have to sell the star.
Indeed, chairman Andrea Radrizzani is realistic enough to know that they will one day have to sell their top stars.
Radrizzani told Forbes: “We will have to sell maybe one or two key players and buy other talents coming up like Leicester did in the past. We need to be humble and realistic about our means.”
As such, while a January exit can be excluded for Raphinha, a move away from Elland Road over the summer looks a distinct possibility.
Bayern thoughts on Raphinha transfer emerge
Of his suitors, it is perhaps a move to Bayern Munich which has seen the strongest claims made about Raphinha.
TNT Sports‘ Christmas Eve ‘exclusive’ claiming Raphinha has agreed a £42m move there certainly does look wide of the mark, however.
Furthermore, citing contacts in Germany, The Athletic’s Phil Hay also doubts the credibility of the claims.
He claims the upcoming transfer window is likely to be a quiet one for Bayern. That also backs up previous claims that Bayern’s current stance is on securing their current stars to new deals.
Indeed, the Bundesliga champions have ongoing doubts over the futures of Robert Lewandowski and Niklas Sule. As such, their priority remains in securing their futures first, rather than on incoming deals.
That means any Bayern move for Raphinha will likely only come about in the summer, if indeed at all.
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