Report shares Leeds hope for Raphinha before 2022 World Cup

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Leeds United like to think that Raphinha will still be attached to the club when the World Cup comes around towards the end of next year, according to a report from The Athletic.

Raphinha’s future has been a particular talking point of late. There has been plenty of speculation linking the Brazil international with a move to Bayern Munich.

The 25-year-old has scored eight goals in 16 Premier League games this term. He is, by some way, Leeds’ top goalscorer in the top flight.

New contract in the offing?

Whites fans have always been fairly realistic about what the future probably holds for Raphinha, particularly given he has recently proved himself on the international stage with Brazil.

And with Marcelo Bielsa’s side struggling, the links with Bayern may have been particularly worrying for some. Losing him in January would be a huge blow to their hopes of remaining in the Premier League.

But it would appear that those working behind the scenes at Leeds are a lot more optimistic than the reports would suggest they have any reason to be.

The Athletic has reported that talks over a new contract are underway. It is claimed he is in line for an improved wage and an extension to a deal running until 2024. He is currently said to be earning £63,500-a-week.

Of course, sceptics may assume that the terms are simply designed to ensure that Leeds receive a bigger fee when it comes to selling him. And some may fear that that sale is likely in the summer.

However, it would appear that the Whites are hopeful that he will still be at Elland Road once the next two transfer windows are consigned to the history books.

The Athletic suggests Leeds like to think that he will head to the World Cup while still a Whites player.

Leeds fans would likely give a lot for Raphinha to still be at Elland Road well into next season

It would be a real statement for Leeds to still have Raphinha when the World Cup kicks off. Obviously, there looks to be no chance of him sticking around should they fall into the Championship.

And there is likely to be plenty of speculation in the summer, even if they stay up. He is a player who looks destined for Champions League football.

The World Cup may not do Leeds’ hopes of keeping Raphinha any favours. But if he is still a Leeds player, and goes on to shine, the Whites will be even more entitled to ask for an eye-watering sum.