Page 1 of 1

The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 30th June) Barca attempt to hijack Raphinha deal

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 6:19 am
by Ellandback1


Good Morning. It's Thursday 30th June, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Barca attempt to hijack Raphinha deal

Chelsea’s hopes of completing the £60m - £65m capture of Raphinha appear to have suffered a major blow, after his representative Deco was spotted leaving Barcelona’s offices alongside Mateu Alemany and Enric Masip (advisor to Barca President Joan Laporta) yesterday lunchtime.

Having agreed a deal totalling £65m, Leeds gave Chelsea their blessing to discuss personal terms with the Brazilian forward, theoretically ending months of speculation, linking him to the Camp Nou. Unfortunately, nothing is straight forward as far as Raphinha is concerned. Barcelona and Deco have been plotting behind Leeds Utd's backs for most of the year, but do not have the funds to complete the purchase, prompting both Arsenal, and now Chelsea to create a bidding war for the 25yo.

It is feared that Barcelona may try and persuade Raphinha to hold tight until after the World Cup in January, when his contract will have only 18 months to run. This could have a detrimental effect on his asking price!





Come home Gjanni

Social media lit up yesterday afternoon, as it was confirmed that Ezgjan Alioski had terminated his contract with Al-Ahli following their relegation from the Saudi Pro League. The likeable North Macedonian International gained cult status during his four-year stay at Elland Road, where he made 161 appearances, netting 21 times. He was nicknamed the 'Duracell bunny' as he covered every blade of grass, and never stopped running. He was a popular member of the squad too. Many times, the (now) 30yo would pull pranks, much to the amusement of the Elland Road faithful.

Gjanni is now looking for a new club, with many suggesting that he could have a part to play should he come back to Leeds next season. Would you like to see him back at Elland Road, or would he be another player who doesn't quite hit the mark?





Leeds focused on Gakpo capture

Dutch winger Cody Gakpo has emerged as the most likely candidate to replace Raphinha, as long as Leeds can convince the 23yo to join. This won't be easy, as a host of European Clubs including AC Milan, Arsenal and Spurs are also all vying for his signature. Current club PSV are not in a hurry to let one of their star players leave the Phillips Stadium. Having netted 21 times last season, and 15 assists, the Dutch Giants have offered Gakpo a lucrative new contract, to convince him to stay. The lure of the Premier League may be too good to turn down, and according to PSV journalist Elfrink, Gakpo is already in talks with Leeds about a £34m (€40m) move to West Yorkshire...
‘Gakpo is in talks with Leeds’, who will need to smash their transfer record to sign the winger.'


Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 30th June) Barca attempt to hijack Raphinha deal

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 7:36 am
by Kennyb41
A bidding war is what we want, if we can manage without the money now then lets keep him until after the WC, his price won't suffer if more than 3 are then interested which i think there will be, i'm banking on him having a good WC though, which i think he will.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 30th June) Barca attempt to hijack Raphinha deal

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 7:53 am
by Irish Ian
Barcelona make me boak.

Bidding war is only of use if the player in mind hasnt already made up his mind. This isnt going to end well methinks. But Raph is due back on Monday so expect movement this week.

Would I like to see Ailoski back?
бр (look it up)

Gakpo.... I thought the wingbacks in our new system were meant to be able to defend?
He cant. At all by the look of his stats.
Looks great though, but the Dutch are traditionaly stroppy b*****s so I would be wary.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 30th June) Barca attempt to hijack Raphinha deal

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 8:26 am
by Byebyegeegee
My preference would be to sell him in this window as it’s obvious that he wants to go. It would, in my opinion, be better to bed his replacement in before the start of the season rather than have to pick up the pieces half way through. I agree with Ian though, if he himself only has one destination in mind then that puts paid to a possibly advantageous and lucrative bidding war. Oh well, this is Leeds after all!

Bringing players back very rarely works so, whilst he was a great asset to the club first time round, I would be cautious about having him back. Although, having said that, a replacement for Firpo would be quite handy.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 30th June) Barca attempt to hijack Raphinha deal

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 8:28 am
by DDB220
Raphinia has to be sold for me. He is unlikely to be the same player for us next season considering all the transfer speculation. His head will be all over the place - it is clear he wants to go and despite not wanting to see him play at Chelsea it is better than gambling on a good WC and a higher fee. If we can get the PSV player in as a replacement NOW it makes sense.

Alioski would be a no for me, he is an improvement on Firpo without a doubt, but surely we can do better. Two LB’s who cannot defend would be crazy. I would take Neco Williams from Liverpool, if we are looking for a pacer attacking LB or bring back Charlie Taylor.

Re: The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 30th June) Barca attempt to hijack Raphinha deal

Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:30 pm
by 1964white
DDB220 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 8:28 am Raphinia has to be sold for me. He is unlikely to be the same player for us next season considering all the transfer speculation. His head will be all over the place - it is clear he wants to go and despite not wanting to see him play at Chelsea it is better than gambling on a good WC and a higher fee. If we can get the PSV player in as a replacement NOW it makes sense.

Alioski would be a no for me, he is an improvement on Firpo without a doubt, but surely we can do better. Two LB’s who cannot defend would be crazy. I would take Neco Williams from Liverpool, if we are looking for a pacer attacking LB or bring back Charlie Taylor.
Williams & Taylor are both good calls, DDB :tup: