Raphinha is quickly becoming a global football star. He played for Leeds United three years ago.
Raphinha is a player who Leeds United supporters will remember for a long time. Signed from Rennes for £17 million in 2020, the Brazilian international later cost the Whites £50 million when he was purchased by Barcelona in 2022.
The now-28-year-old scored 17 goals in 65 outings for the Whites over two Premier League seasons before leaving after the club was relegated to the Championship under Sam Allardyce.
Raphinha has improved steadily since joining Sain, with this season being his most productive, with 13 goals and six assists in 24 La Liga games for the Catalan club.
Raphinha starred earlier this season as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid, with speculation that the former Leeds United player could one day compete for the Ballon d’Or.
Raphinha almost turned down a move to Leeds United, it has recently been discovered. However, it is apparent that he still cares deeply for the team.
Raphinha’s image depicts a Leeds United shirt in his house.
Raphinha’s wide just shared a photo of the player training at home, working out, and maintaining in shape. Several shirts were hanging in the background, including his Brazil, Sporting CP, and other team shirts.
Then, in the corner of the picture, there was a Leeds United shirt, which appeared to have been signed by his old teammates at Elland Road.
Despite leaving the club about three years ago, Raphinha clearly remembers his time at Leeds positively. After all, it was his time in the Premier League with Leeds that prepared him for a lucrative move to Spain with Barcelona and established the framework for his present success.
What Hansi Flick thinks about Raphinha in Barcelona
Raphinha has had transfer interest in the previous year or so, with links to Saudi Arabia frequently coming and going. But current Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is eager to keep Raphinha at the club, at least for the time being, as the Brazilian’s contract expires in 2027.
And if the player continues to score and assist goals like he has in the 2024/25 season, there will be two possible outcomes: increased transfer interest and more intent from Barcelona to maintain the player for the long term.
Leeds United, meanwhile, might be back in the big time next season, as the Whites are currently in first place in the Championship table following a 2-1 victory over Sunderland.
