La Liga’s Barcelona have signed Raphinha from Leeds United in a £57m transfer deal.
Raphinha joined Leeds in October 2020 from Rennes on an four-year contract and across two seasons, he went on to produce 17 goals and 12 assists in all competitions across 67 appearances in total.
The Brazilian’s final goal in a Leeds shirt came from a 56th minute penalty in an eventual 2-1 win at Brentford in May, as Leeds secured Premier League survival on the final day of last season at Burnley’s expense after the Clarets lost at home to Newcastle United.
Paying tribute to Raphinha’s contributions across the last two seasons, Leeds issued the following club statement: “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.”
Barcelona will pay an initial £49.3m transfer fee but add-ons will see the total transfer fee rise up to £57m, with Raphinha having signed a five-year contract until June 2027 and was unveiled to the media on Friday (15 July) afternoon.
The moment you’ve all been waiting for 🤩
Raphinha’s first touches as a Culer 🤙 pic.twitter.com/2Ct8V36THm— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 15, 2022
“It’s a dream come true since I was a kid,” commented Raphinha in his first interview with Barca TV as he vowed to give everything to help Barcelona prove successful in coming seasons, in which he added: “I’m going to give my best.”
Raphinha could make his Barcelona debut at home on 13 August against Rayo Vallecano at Nou Camp in their opening match of 2022-23 La Liga season.
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