According to the Telegraph, Manchester United have showed interest in Leeds forward Raphinha and might push to sign him this summer. It has become a running gag that the Red Devils are bound to be linked to the same few players every transfer window. Ruben Neves, Ronaldo (until last summer), and now, Raphinha from Leeds.
The Brazil international has been a Leeds player since the 2020-21 season, having joined the club from Stade Rennais. Raphinha has managed to raise a lot of eyebrows during his short two-year stint in England so far, garnering interest from multiple top clubs. The 25-year-old broadly operates as a winger, easily slotting in both the flanks when the need arises.
Favouring the right wing more, probably because of his stronger left foot which allows him to cut inside and create or shoot. Raphinha has impressed this season, scoring 11 and assisting 3 in the Premier League (stats via Transfermarkt) as a winger, playing for a side that barely survived relegation.
According to the report, Erik ten Hag wants to sign a striker in the summer transfer window. However, the new Manchester United manager will make do with a left-footed forward if the search for a striker proves fruitless and Raphinha has been identified as a potential option.
The Mirror report that the reason behind Ten Hag opting out of the summer tour with Ajax is mainly because he wishes to be more proactive in the upcoming transfer window at his new club. He wants the club to perform well in the summer window, given the sizable overhaul that is about to undergo at Old Trafford. However, the Dutchman might face tough reception in the negotiations with Leeds due to the two clubs’ bitter rivalry that has persisted for numerous decades now.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch earlier suggested that it would be tough to hold on to players in case the club did face the drop come the end of the season. However, fans and players at Elland Road will be more than happy to see their club play another season in the Premier League after Marsch and co. defeated Brentford to accomplish a 3-point lead over Burnley.
Man United will be without key names such as Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, and potentially more, which makes the purpose behind the overhaul all the more crucial and meaningful. And to get started, the new management are prepared to sign numerous players to guide the club’s future. Raphinha has been shortlisted as a player on Ten Hag’s list to fill the role of a competent Premier League proven attacking option.
Read More:
- United End Season With Another Disaster Performance | Three Crucial Lessons Learnt from Palace vs United Game
- Erik ten Hag Looking to Bring in €50m Rated Brazilian Forward as One of His First Signings at United
- Juventus Close to Agreeing Deal With Man United Star but There Could be a Late Twist in the Tale
There exists a high chance of Leeds United asking the Red Devils to pay exorbitant amounts of money to secure the signing of their star player. This might raise concerns with the board at Old Trafford, but it’ll all be for a positive change if the club does manage to acquire his services.
A tricky, quick and lethal forward like Raphinha might be a mouthwatering prospect for fans, especially after witnessing the failures of Marcus Rashford this season and if the clubs come to an agreement, Manchester United will walk out as the winners from this deal.
Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Manchester United.
