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Leeds United's Raphinha 'verbally agrees to join Barcelona'

Raphinha 'verbally agrees to join Barcelona'
© Reuters
Leeds United attacker Raphinha verbally agrees to join Barcelona in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Leeds United attacker Raphinha has allegedly given Barcelona his word that he will sign for them in the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old has consistently produced for the Whites since his arrival from Rennes in 2020, scoring six goals and setting up nine more in his debut season in the Premier League.

Raphinha has broken the 10-goal mark in the top flight this season - as well as contributing three assists - but Leeds are in a perilous position at the foot of the table.

Sunday's 2-1 loss to Arsenal has seen the Whites slip into the relegation zone with three games left to play - one of which comes against Chelsea at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

Should Jesse Marsch's side return to the Championship after two seasons in the top flight, Raphinha would be widely expected to leave amid interest from a number of clubs.

Raphinha warms up for Leeds United in October 2021© Reuters

Bayern Munich and Liverpool were both linked with a move for Raphinha at one point, but the Reds are not expected to reignite their interest following the arrival of Luis Diaz.

West Ham United have also been tipped to swoop for the Brazil international, but according to Todofichajes, Raphinha has now verbally agreed to join Barcelona.

The report adds that the Catalan club were the first ones to make contact with the attacker's entourage, and a €25m (£21.3m) release clause in his Leeds contract will activate if the Whites are relegated.

Raphinha's existing deal with Leeds runs until the end of the 2023-24 season, and the former Sporting Lisbon attacker boasts a total of 16 goals and 12 assists in 64 outings for the club in all tournaments.

The South American's arrival at Camp Nou would supposedly lead Barcelona to part ways with Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer, in spite of his recent revival under Xavi.

Ousmane Dembele in action for Barcelona in February 2022© Reuters

Barcelona tried and failed to force Dembele out of the door in January, and the France international - also an ex-prospect of Rennes - sees his current terms expire at the end of the season.

Dembele has registered 11 assists in La Liga since December and has supposedly held positive talks with the club over a new deal, but Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are both waiting in the wings.

The Catalan giants also signed Adama Traore on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January, but they have reportedly decided against a permanent deal for the Spaniard, who has struggled to impress on a consistent basis.

Memphis Depay has also supposedly been made available for the transfer by Barcelona, who could undergo a major attacking reshuffle despite the plethora of new names in their ranks.

Depay opened the scoring before a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace as Barca beat Celta Vigo 3-1 on Tuesday night, and the Blaugrana are now seven points clear of Sevilla in second place.

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Memphis Depay in action for Barcelona in March 2022
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


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