July 13, (THEWILL) – Barcelona and Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of long sought-after Brazilian, Raphinha, subject to his passing a medical.
According to a statement on the club’s website, “FC Barcelona and Leeds United Football Club have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Raphael Dias Belloli, Raphinha, pending the player passing his medical.”
The Leeds attacker was rumoured to be interested in moves to either of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Spurs, but the 25-year-old’s focus was changed when Barcelona expressed an interest, and he became determined to transfer to the Spotify Camp Nou.
According to reports, the deal could increase to £56.5 million with add-ons, which along with the £45 million deal in Kalvin Phillips’ move to Manchester City, will give the Whites enough for replacements.
Raphinha, a £17 million transfer from Ligue 1 team Rennes in October 2020, has been a revelation in Leeds colours. Raphinha earned his place on Brazil’s national team as a result of some virtuoso performances that saw him record 17 goals and 12 assists over two seasons in the North West.
The 25-year-old stayed at the club’s Thorp Arch training facility as the transfer approached rather than joining Leeds on their preseason tour of Australia. Although he had two years remaining on his Elland Road deal, the Brazilian will join Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen as Barcelona’s third summer addition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
