Barcelona’s Dembele replacement could be on sale for €25m in the summer: Fabrizio

As Leeds United continue to fight a losing battle with regards to winger Raphinha, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that he is very much likely to leave Elland Road in the summer.

As quoted by the journalist, Raphinha’s departure heavily depends on where exactly Leeds United finish this season. If the Premier League side is relegated, the Brazilian’s price will go down to €25 million, and Barcelona are very much likely to pounce on the given opportunity.

“Raphinha will be available on the market in the summer,” Romano was quoted during a chat with Gazzetta Dello FIVE.

“But it’s crucial to see if Leeds United will be relegated or not because there are clauses on that basis. If they do go down, Raphinha will be available for €25 million,” he added. 

Speaking further, Romano mentioned Liverpool are in the race too, but Deco’s presence in Raphinha’s management team has given Barcelona an upper hand in the deal. It is stated that the winger is already on Barcelona’s agenda and that his name has been discussed as well.

“Liverpool are exploring this opportunity, but the player’s agent is Deco, a former Barca player with a fantastic relationship with Joan Laporta. He has already discussed with Barca about Raphinha,” said Romano. 

It wasn’t so long ago that Chelsea were thought to be the frontrunners in Raphinha’s case. But the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich has more or less forced them to pull themselves out of it.

“Apart from Liverpool, Barcelona and I can tell you one thing about Chelsea that they were the frontrunners a few months ago.”

“They had a discussion with his agent, the player and were preparing this deal for the summer. But now everything is on standby,” he concluded.