Leeds star Raphinha’s transfer stance amid Liverpool and Bayern Munich interest

Bayern Munich have joined Liverpool in targeting Raphinha and the Brazil star has been Leeds’ stand-out player this season

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Raphinha will not push for a January move from Leeds despite being wanted by Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Bayern have joined Liverpool in tracking Raphinha and the Brazil winger has been Leeds’ stand-out player during their difficult season.

He is their top scorer with eight goals and is responsible for 45 per cent of their Premier League haul.

Raphinha has blossomed into Leeds’ brightest star and he also managed six goals and nine assists in his debut campaign last season.

Raphinha’s agent Deco claims he has “ambitions to play at a higher level” and that he will leave at some point, but the Samba star will not agitate for a transfer.

Raphinha, 25, who cost a bargain £17million from Rennes in October 2020, said recently he is happy at Elland Road and it is understood he would not jeopardise his good relationship with the club and fans by trying to force through a move when they are struggling.

Leeds are keen to reward Raphinha for his success and have told Deco they want to open talks over a new deal.

Raphinha’s contract runs until 2024 and agreeing a new long-term deal would increase his transfer value.

Regardless of the outcome of those talks, Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani is realistic enough to know that Raphinha will go eventually and admits the club may have to sacrifice some big names to fund signing young players.

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, so we need to be humble and realistic about our means.”

The summer looks a more realistic time for Raphinha to leave Elland Road and Deco has said previously that he will go when the moment is right for all parties.

Speaking to Globo Esporte in October, Deco confirmed Liverpool’s interest and said Raphinha wants to play at the top level.

“Raphinha is happy at Leeds, and for sure the time will come to take the biggest leap in his career, to take a step forward,” he said.

“ Leeds are aware. They will want to make an important sale, and Raphinha will end up growing in his career.

“Raphinha has a market and Leeds have high expectations, it was never a project in a hurry.

“He has ambitions to play at a higher level despite Leeds being in the Premier League. Things will happen naturally.”