Leeds United’s Raphinha set for blockbuster Barcelona move as he snubs Chelsea and Arsenal interest

Seb Sternik
13 July 2022

Leeds United have confirmed they have reached an "agreement in principle" with Barcelona for the transfer of their star winger Raphinha.

The Brazil international didn't travel with his side for the pre-season tour of Australia and is expected to complete his move to the Camp Nou.

After months of rumours, the £55million deal is nearing completion as Raphinha prepares to leave Elland Road after two memorable seasons.

The 25-year-old scored 17 goals in 67 games and most recently helped the team to Premier League survival.

The Brazil international was linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, but is now set to snub the two London clubs by completing his move to the La Liga giants.

Todd Boehly's Blues were the first club to reach an agreement with Leeds over a transfer fee for Raphinha, understood to be in the region of £55million.

The Gunners, in contrast, also held extensive talks with the winger's team.

Raphinha will fly to Spain today in order to complete his move to Barcelona. Contract until June 2027 to be signed soon. Raphinha did anything to join Barça, his biggest dream. 🛩🇧🇷 #FCB

Barcelona board, now pushing on Robert Lewandowski and feeling confident. Key days ahead. pic.twitter.com/IddsmjsG4D
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2022

Nevertheless, it's Barcelona who are expected to seal Raphinha's signature, with the club agreeing a further £8.5million in add-ons with the West Yorkshire outfit.

Leeds first signed the winger from Ligue 1 side Rennes back in 2020 for a reported fee of £17million.

During his time in France, Raphinha scored eight goals in 36 appearances and helped the club to Champions League qualification.

Before Rennes, the player spent time at Sporting Lisbon where he scored nine goals in 41 outings for the Portuguese giants.

It was during his time in Lisbon where Raphinha also won his first piece of silverware, claiming the 2018/19 Taca de Portugal after scoring a penalty during a shootout win over Porto.