TBR View – Leeds United should swoop on Rafinha, childhood friend of Rodrigo

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Leeds United’s transfer business does not yet appear to be over. Despite adding great depth to their under-23 side and bringing in the likes of Robin Koch and Rodrigo Moreno for the first-team, the Whites are still in the hunt for new recruits. 

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are looking for ‘an attacking player who can add width and also play comfortably in a central position’. 

It is that player description that has led Leeds to try and sign Udinese’s impressive Argentine playmaker Rodrigo De Paul. However, at a reported £31 million and with some big names battling for his signature, Leeds may be fighting a losing battle in that pursuit. 

But there could be a potentially available option who would have no problems fitting in at Elland Road should Leeds come calling. 

The player in question is Barcelona midfielder, Rafinha Alcantara. 

The lesser-known brother of recent Champions League winner Thiago Alcantara and the son of a Brazilian legend in Mazinho, Rafinha is transfer listed at the Nou Camp. 

As recently reported by SPORT, Barca are willing to sell the 27-year-old for just €16 million (£14m) this summer following his stint on loan at Celta Vigo. The player has an offer from China but is said to be hoping for a move to the Premier League. 

The two time Brazilian international would therefore be a bargain considering his abilities and fits the bill perfectly for what Leeds are after.

Whilst best known as a central midfielder, he spent much of last season playing wide in La Liga. 

On top of that, Rafinha is considered a ‘cousin’ by Leeds’ recent record buy Rodrigo. The Spanish forward is childhood best friends with his brother Thiago as his dad, Adalberto, was close friends with Mazinho. In fact, the elder pair opened up a football school together in Vigo, Spain. 

Rafinha is also, therefore, good friends with Rodrigo and would undoubtedly relish the chance to come and play with him at Elland Road. 

If Leeds are looking for a top-quality player, who can play centrally and wide, at a bargain price, then Rafinha is simply a no-brainer.