25-year-old Premier League winger prefers move to Barcelona over Liverpool - Reports

Leeds United star Raphinha has reportedly attracted interest from Barcelona and Liverpool. However, the winger has named the Blaugrana as his preferred destination between the two clubs.

The 25-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season and is expected to leave Elland Road this summer.

According to Sport, Raphinha prefers a move to Camp Nou over Anfield. Barcelona are rumored to have already submitted an offer worth €35 million to sign the player. The Catalan giants are hoping that their amicable relationship with Raphinha's agent Deco will persuade the winger to sign for them.

Leeds United and Raphinha have been involved in negotiations over a new contract since last year. According to Brazilian news outlet UOL (via Liverpool Echo), the player has rejected the club's latest contract offer and wants to move on in the summer. His contract at Elland Road is set to expire in 2024.

Jesse Marsch's side currently occupy 16th place in the Premier League table, seven points away from the relegation zone. This may be one of the reasons why Raphinha could be seeking a move out of the club.

Raphinha joined Leeds United from Rennes in 2020 in a deal worth £17 million. The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive debut season with the club, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

The 25-year-old has taken his game to another level this season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. His performances have caught the attention of Liverpool and Barcelona.

As per the aforementioned Sport report, Raphinha prefers a move to the La Liga club over the Premier League side.

While the Reds possess one of the best attacks in Europe, Luis Diaz's arrival from Porto in January has intensified the competition for a place in the starting line-up.

Raphinha is more likely to become a regular starter for Barcelona than Liverpool.

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Barcelona could struggle to compete with Liverpool for Raphina unless they sell some star players

Philippe Coutinho has been in scintillating form during his loan spell at Aston Villa

Despite Raphinha's reported willingness to join Barcelona, the Catalan giants could struggle to compete with Liverpool for the Brazilian's signature. Leeds United are likely to demand triple what they paid for the winger in 2020.

Barcelona are facing debts totaling up to €1 billion. They spent €55 million to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City in January but have otherwise looked at free transfers and the loan market for new signings.

However, the Blaugrana could raise the money required to sign Raphinha by selling Philippe Coutinho this summer.

The former Liverpool star is enjoying a terrific loan spell with Aston Villa. His loan deal has an option to buy permanently at £33 million.

According to El Nacional, Dutch forward Memphis Depay is also considering a move away from Camp Nou. He has fallen down the pecking order since the arrivals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres.