Leeds United: Agent speaks out about why Raphina left Elland Road as ‘serious’ admission made
Deco has revealed that he “didn’t push hard” for Raphinha to leave Leeds United and join Barcelona in 2022.
Speaking to FourFourTwo on Thursday (15 February), the Brazilian international’s agent, who is now the Director of Football at Camp Nou, said the former Whites star was “very serious and professional” with the West Yorkshire club before he left Elland Road.
He revealed that Leeds wanted to sell the 27-year-old and that a bigger offer than the La Liga side’s came in from Chelsea, but he insisted that there was a “mutual agreement” in the winger joining the Catalans.
“Actually, I didn’t push hard,” said Deco. “You know, club presidents don’t usually tell the whole story. Raphinha was very serious and professional with Leeds.
“He had a clause that if they were relegated, his price would drop to €20million (£17.1million), and he was the best player when Leeds needed him most – he ran the most, worked the hardest, and I, as his agent, would be incapable of influencing any player for my own benefit.
“Leeds wanted to sell Raphinha. Then bids came in, even bigger than Barcelona’s. The owner of Chelsea (Todd Boehly) called me and insisted a lot, putting pressure on me – he really wanted to sign Raphinha.
“But I didn’t push hard for Raphinha to leave Leeds. It was all by mutual agreement.”
