Leeds United forward Raphinha is Barcelona's No.1 summer target
The club will target the Brazil international to replace Ousmane Dembele next season
Barcelona have parked their interest in Erling Haaland and are determined to close a deal for Leeds United forward Raphinha, who is represented by Deco.
XAVI SAYS YES
With the backing of coach Xavi Hernandez, Barça have turned their attention to the explosive winger, who would come to take Ousmane Dembele's place, with the French forward's contract expiring in the summer and everything pointing towards a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Raphinha, 25, is a winger who can play on either flank but usually from the right. He's disciplined tactically and is capable of pressing having spent the last two years in a Marcelo Bielsa team following spells in France and Portugal.
FOLLOWED FOR MONTHS
Deco put his name on the table at the start of the season. He told the club Raphinha was not thinking about renewing his deal with Leeds, which expires in 2023, and would leave at the end of the campaign. There were offers at the time from Chelsea, whose situation has since changed, and Liverpool.
Barça, who were negotiating with Dembele at the time, added him to their watchlist... and they have liked what they have seen. So have other big European clubs, like Bayern Munich.
Raphinha has scored 15 goals and set up 12 more in 57 games for Leeds since joining from Rennes for €20m in 2020. His progression has been unstoppable and has led to international recognition with Brazil, with a spot in the squad at the World Cup later this year likely.
