‘Surprised he stayed’: Phil Thompson says he’s surprised 24-year-old didn’t leave Leeds this summer

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Phil Thompson has admitted to the Where’s Jeff podcast that he is surprised that Leeds United managed to keep hold of Raphinha this summer.

Raphinha stays

Raphinha was tentatively linked with a move away from Elland Road towards the back end of last season.

But Leeds never sent out any messages that they were prepared to listen to offers.

Raphinha, therefore, stuck around at Leeds for another season.

And Thompson thinks that the Brazilian is a genuine star.

“I think this Leeds team will come out all guns blazing,” Thompson said.

“Raphinha is a star, I was quite surprised he stayed there in the transfer window.

“But I expect us [Liverpool] to win this, but only just.”

For Leeds there is no reason to believe Raphinha will be leaving any time soon.

In a recent interview with the Player’s Tribune he suggested he was so happy at Elland Road.

Missing this weekend

Raphinha could actually be missing from Leeds game against Liverpool at the weekend.

The Brazilian FA are pushing to have him banned, after he was blocked from turning up to international duty in the past fortnight.

If Raphinha is missing from Leeds’ attack that will be a blow for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, although Dan James could step in for his debut.