Raphinha joins FC Barcelona
Winger completes move.
Leeds United can confirm Raphinha has today completed a transfer to FC Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.
The winger joined the Whites from Stade Rennais on deadline day in October 2020 and instantly went on to become a fans favourite, with a series of dazzling performances.
He scored his first goal for the club in the 1-0 away victory against Everton at Goodison Park and finished his first campaign with six goals and nine assists from 31 matches.
In August 2021 he was called up by Brazil for the first time, but Covid travel restrictions meant he has to wait until October to make his debut, which he made against Venezuela in a 3-1 victory, and he has since gone on to earn a total of nine caps, scoring three goals.
Raphinha netted three times in six games at the start of the 2021/22 Premier League season and continued to be a pivotal performer in the Leeds team.
As the Whites faced a relegation battle, at the back end of the campaign following the arrival of new head coach Jesse March, Raphinha came up with some game changing moments to ensure the club remained in the Premier League.
Notably, he provided the assist to Joe Gelhardt’s 94th minute winner against Norwich City at Elland Road following a fabulous solo run, netted the opening goal in the 3-0 away at Watford with a fine strike from the edge of the box and most crucially of all, won and scored the penalty against Brentford on the final day of the season, to keep Leeds in the top-flight after bettering Burnley’s result against Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old leaves Leeds United having made 67 appearances for the Whites across all competitions, having scored 17 goals.
We would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to Raphinha for his effort and contribution whilst at the football club.
He showed unquestionable commitment and professionalism until the very end of his time at Elland Road and his celebrations at the Brentford Community Stadium will live long in the memory.
Everyone at Leeds United would like to wish Raphinha the very best for the future and hope he enjoys great success at the Nou Camp and throughout his career.
