Raphinha To Barcelona
Raphinha close to joining Arsenal got hijacked by Chelsea. Chelsea looking confident got the hijacked by Barcelona. However, still due for announcement Leeds United Star winger is to join Barcelona. Leeds winger Raphinha is closing in on a deal worth £55m to join Barcelona after missing his side’s pre-season tour of Australia. Brazilian did not travel with the rest of the Leeds United team. The initial fee is €58m (£49m), but could rise to more than 65 (£55m) with add-ons. It would represent good business for Leeds following his 17 goals in the Premier League over two seasons. However, this summer Leeds have signed Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Darko Gyabi, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee.
Raphinha As a Premier League Player: Analysis
Skysports Journalist Nick Wright analyses the qualities Raphinha possesses.
“The stunning strike against West Brom, lifted into the top corner from outside the box. The first-time rocket against Everton which took the roof off Elland Road. The penalty, won and converted under pressure, which helped secure survival against Brentford. “Raphinha gave Leeds supporters plenty of moments to savour. His 65 Premier League appearances brought a total of 17 goals, many of them spectacular, and a lot more besides. The bewitching skill, the feints and nutmegs, will live just as long in the memory. “The 25-year-old was not widely known to English audiences when he arrived from Rennes in 2020 but he certainly is now, his explosive performances for Leeds, and subsequently Brazil, marking him out as one of the Premier League’s most coveted players.”
We expect Leeds to move quickly and bring new players to the club: another midfielder, a winger and a striker to play alongside Patrick Bamford as Jesse Marsch likes to play two up front. Leeds paid £16m for Raphinha and will look to do the same by buying players early and developing them. That’s the strategy. They won’t spend £60m to £70m on a player.