Former West Ham striker claims Leeds made a huge mistake with Raphinha deal

Former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie believes that Leeds United have made a huge mistake when they negotiated a deal with Barcelona for Raphinha’s transfer.  

The 27-year-old was impressive for the Whites when he joined the club in 2020 from Rennes. 

He went on to make over 60 senior appearances during his two-year stint at Elland Road, scoring 17 goals in the process. 

The Championship outfit later sold the Brazilian to Barcelona in 2022 for a £55 million transfer fee. 

However, he is struggling for opportunities in Spain this season, making only 12 La Liga starts under manager Xavi. 

There are suggestions Raphinha could be sold by the Catalans this summer amid interest from the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League. 

Frank McAvennie, who has played for the likes of West Ham, Celtic and St Mirren, was shocked Leeds didn’t negotiate a sell-on clause for the 27-year-old. 

While speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Of course, Leeds will be hugely regretting not putting in a sell-on clause. 

“You should always put it in just in case!

“I’m shocked that they didn’t. 

“Barcelona might have said that he won’t be leaving, but still put the clause in. 

“It’s a strange one, but that’s what a good director of football does.

“They cross every T and dot every I, so it’s a real shame.

“The money that they could have got could’ve been huge.”

Leeds are favourites to secure automatic promotion this campaign as they are unbeaten in 14 league matches. 

They were not at the top of their game against Watford on Friday night but battled back twice from a goal down to seal a 2-2 draw. 

However, with Ipswich Town winning 1-0 over Blackburn Rovers, the Whites have slipped down to second in the Championship standings. 

Daniel Farke’s side were missing several key players and that played a role in their failure to secure full points from the away encounter.