Leeds United winger Raphinha will be allowed to leave Elland Road for a much smaller fee than many are led to believe, according to an expert.

The winger has enjoyed huge success at West Yorkshire since leaving Rennes in a £17m deal. That October 2020 transfer has paid off for Leeds with Raphinha scoring 16 goals in 61 appearances for the club. And that tally includes an impressive 10 goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season alone.

Indeed, such has been his success in England that Raphinha is now one of the top names on Brazil’s squad roster. To that end, three goals in seven appearances for the Selecao further underscored his qualities and raised his profile.

As such, it’s no surprise to see Raphinha attract the attention of several high-profile suitors.

Bayern Munich were the first to be linked, with reports just before the January window claiming a move to Bavaria was in the works.

While the denials quickly materialized, Raphinha has since reportedly become a target for Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham.

However, arguably the biggest threat comes from Barcelona. The La Liga giants have made no secret of their admiration for the winger, with a report even stating that he has already agreed personal terms with Xavi’s team.

Moreover, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano didn’t do much to quell the rumours.

Barcelona rumors persist

However, one issue that seems to be holding back Barca’s prospects is the price Raphinha will get.

Given his importance to the Leeds squad, they understandably won’t want to let him go on the cheap. Thus, the reports claim Barcelona will have to double their reported opening offer of £29m to land him this summer.

Finances, however, are tight at Barcelona. Their money troubles are widely reported. And shopping in the free transfer market has become a bit of a theme in the latest window displays in Catalonia.

That said, specialist Danny Mills believes Leeds will actually let Raphinha go for a much lower price than reported. Besides, he suggests that Raphinha can’t be classed as a ‘superstar’ yet and that Leeds will be lucky to get £50million.

Raphinha “not yet a superstar”

“I don’t think he would be a superstar signing,” Mills said. Football Insider.

“Not in terms of superstar signings from Barcelona, ​​he certainly wouldn’t be anywhere near that.”

Mills added: “He’s a very good player, we know that. I’m sure there will be Premier League clubs pursuing his signing and maybe some European clubs.

“But until they come up with firm offers, we’re talking over £50million.

“There is probably better value for money right now. You can probably find someone a bit more proven for £50m.

Either way, it promises to be a huge summer ahead for Leeds.

Raphinha isn’t the only player who would be destined for a big budget release. Indeed, more speculation this weekend surrounds Kalvin Phillips’ future.

In effect, Phillips is now expected to leave Elland Road, with Leeds planning to use his funds to make two signings in his place.