Football writer Conor McGilligan has claimed that Leeds United star Raphinha may be ‘getting sick’ of being over-relied upon by the club amid their lack of transfer activity.
Now into the second week of January, while rival Premier League clubs like Newcastle United, Everton and Watford have all done notable business so far, Leeds do not seem close to signing any new first-team players.
In fact, the most newsworthy piece of transfer news relating to the club at the moment is the rumoured loan departure of young defender Cody Drameh to Cardiff City.
While talking about this on the One Leeds Fan Channel on YouTube, McGilligan suggested that Raphinha, as well as Kalvin Phillips, may be questioning the club’s ambition if the club stagnate in the transfer market.
He explained his thoughts, saying: “Yeah, he’s [Raphinha] had four or five games, maybe, where you could argue he’s been a bit quiet. I’d be quiet. I’d be getting sick of it, I would. I’d be thinking to myself, ‘Are they not doing anything this window?’ And Raphinha will be thinking that.”
He added: “I think that’s the problem, guys. I think we’ve got to match people like Raphinha’s ambition, people like Kalvin Phillips’ ambition. And I’m just a little bit worried about it the minute.”
TIF Thoughts on Raphinha and Leeds…
So far, the only incoming Leeds have pulled off is the signing of 18-year-old Mateo Joseph Fernandez. However, he looks more likely to play in the club’s youth team for the time being – as he has no senior appearances in his career.
If no more players are brought in, even more pressure will be on the likes of Raphinha and co to step up their game. The Brazilian has been the club’s key player this season, providing eight goals and one assist in the Premier League so far.
Do Leeds need to sign a new striker?
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The team’s lack of depth in quality is perhaps well summed up by the fact that in the FA Cup match against West Ham United at the weekend, Raphinha had to be brought on at half time when he probably could have done with being rested.
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