Liverpool and Chelsea target Raphinha could depart for La Liga in the summer

Another player has become a summer target for Barcelona. This time it is Leeds United star player and Chelsea and Liverpool long-term mark, Raphinha.

Barcelona are on a rampage in the transfer market as they organise their squad to get back to its best and back to the summit of everything in Europe under the legendary, Xavi. They have been targeting most of Europe’s top talents, free or cheap, and have been beating their rivals to their signatures.

Leeds United, who have been suffering terribly from the Premier League plague, “the second season syndrome“, are in a late battle to stay afloat in the English top flight. They have, however, won their first game under new manager Jesse Marsch and have won their first game in nine Premier League outings.

Before the dramatic win over Norwich City on Sunday past, Leeds lost six games in a row. This led to a massive drop in the table standings and has forced the Whites into a late survival fight. They are sitting in 16th place and on 26 points, just four points safe from a relegation spot.

If they do go down, the chances of Raphinha staying will be quite small and teams will in fact be hoping for a Leeds exit from the top flight. That way they get one of the best Brazillian attackers in the EPL and Europe, for a cut cost.

Barcelona are stacking up in quality, hence the Raphinha links

Barcelona is said to have joined the race for Leeds’ top scorer this season, Raphinha. As per reports, their interest has grown with each stellar showing he puts in.

"The rebuild at Barcelona is continuing with the club eyeing a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to reports.Raphinha, whose contract doesn’t expire until June 2024, has caught the eye during his two seasons at Elland Road, becoming a Brazil international off the back of his fine form too.The 25-year-old’s displays have earned him suitors and according to Fabrizio Romano, they have grown with Barcelona joining the list. (Via: dailymail.co.uk)"

The only club standing in their way is the Reds, who have expressed a desire in signing the Brazillian wonderkid for consecutive windows. Chelsea, sadly, have edged themselves out of every transfer battle due to the ongoing in-house problems at Stamford Bridge.

This leaves the Blues in limbo and out of the race for the signing of Raphinha. Working heavily in the favour of Barca is that Deco, former Barcelona, Chelsea and Portugal star, is the player’s agent.

This could be a massive bargaining chip for the Catalan side and we could see the Reds lose their second target to the sleeping giants that are Barcelona; the first transfer steal, the acquisition of Adama Traore from Wolverhampton Wanderers during January.

This will be a massive blow for Jurgen Klopp, who has always been a great admirer of the winger. Since his maiden season, the links to Anfield has been the strongest. But now Barca have definitely rocked the boat in this transfer saga.