Leeds United news: Pundit ‘shocked’ by Raphinha development – ‘Huge’
Raphinha, a former star, moved to Barcelona, and Leeds United ought to have secured a sell-on clause.
Former West Ham and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie revealed that he was “shocked” the Whites didn’t and that they will now be regretting the choice in an exclusive interview with Football Insider.
Although sources told Football Insider (March 26) that Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal are willing to offer Barca up to £86 million for Raphinha’s services this summer, the 27-year-old transferred to the La Liga giants in 2022 for a whopping £55 million.
Despite spending two years at Elland Road and becoming a star, the Brazil international’s mega-money move to Barcelona did not pan out.
Leeds United made “huge” mistake with Raphinha deal
“Leicester will undoubtedly be very sorry that they did not include a sell-on clause,” he said to Football Insider.
“Always include it as a backup plan!
That they didn’t astounds me.
“Despite saying he wouldn’t be leaving, Barcelona included the clause.
It’s an odd one, but that’s what a skilled football director does.
It’s really unfortunate because they cross every T and dot every I.
“They could have received a substantial amount of money.
In related news
Without a question, Leeds United was where Liam Cooper ended his career, but Watford record
A seemingly insignificant statistic from Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Watford at Vicarage Road casts doubt on Liam Cooper’s ability to be a valuable forward for the Whites.
Club captain Cooper made a rare start as the left-sided central defender, with Pascal Struijk out for the rest of the season due to surgery and Ethan Ampadu moving forward back into midfield due to Ilia Gruev’s injury.
However, the 32-year-old struggled, and Leeds failed to establish their usual solid grasp on the game as they lost twice in the first half.
Left back Junior Firpo replaced him in the 64th minute. Archie Grey moved, while Sam Byram went to the right back.
The change of personnel proved to be effective; Opta specialist Jonny Cooper wrote on social media, explaining how Watford managed just 31 passes and had no shots or touches in their penalty area when Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu were assigned as their centre defence combination in the 64th minute.
Although a late equaliser by Mateo Joseph, another substitute, helped the Whites tie the score, they now sit in second place in the standings, one point ahead of Ipswich Town and just one point ahead of third-place Leicester City, who still have a game in hand.
Liam Cooper lacks Ethan Ampadu’s ball-playing ability
Daniel Farke wants Leeds to dominate possession and close the pitch, and Ampadu’s better technique and comfort with the ball are key components of that strategy. The Whites seem less able to force themselves on the proceedings with Cooper in the side.
Just three of the eight Championship games in which Cooper has played at least a full half of football have ended in a victory for Leeds. After Farke reorganised his team, Cooper received his first start since New Year’s Day when Ampadu took Gruev’s spot in midfield.
Cooper’s introduction ultimately seems to cause Leeds to lose some of their control, and they can’t afford that if they want to guarantee automatic promotion back to
