“As hard as it is to lose Raphinha, I will say this about him: when you think of a young man, who would almost guarantee 100 per cent go to Barcelona if we were relegated. Then you look at the performance and the dedication he had to ensure the club continued to exist,” Marsch told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“I think it would be difficult for a 23- or 24-year-old with such pressure and that opportunity to perform like he did.
“And we are so thankful. I had that very clear conversation… it made it easy for us to be very connected to what his goals in life and in his career are. So I’m hopeful for him no matter how hard it is.” I am also hopeful that he will get this deal done because I know that it is his dream to play for Barcelona.”
Leeds has been quick to reinvest the money they generate from the sale of Raphinha and Phillips, making six summer purchases so far.
Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Rasmus Kristensen, Marco Roca, Darko Gyabi and Tyler Adams have all arrived for a combined cost of around £90 million.