La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have confirmed that they have reached an agreement in principle to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.
Catalan giants Barcelona have made an official statement to confirm that they have reached an agreement in principle with Leeds United to secure the services of Raphinha. The completion of the deal is subject to the Brazilian international undergoing a medical.
Raphinha has been one of the most highly sought-after players in the market this summer, with his stock skyrocketing after an excellent 2021/22 campaign. The 25-year-old was instrumental in helping Leeds United remain in the Premier League after a rollercoaster season that ended with the Whites narrowly avoiding relegation.
The Brazilian international amassed 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League appearances. And after successfully retaining their top-flight status, Leeds United gave him their blessings to seek a new adventure in his career. And Raphinha always wanted to join Barcelona, with the move now seeing the light of day.
Barcelona’s interest in Raphinha stretches back to the early days of the 2021/22 season, with his performances prompting the Blaugrana to ramp up the efforts to sign him. And for his part, the player has always been determined to complete a dream move to Barcelona, even after Chelsea reached a full agreement to sign him several weeks ago.
Barcelona have reached an agreement with Leeds United to sign Raphinha for $67M, reports @FabrizioRomano
The latest Brazilian to join Barça ?? pic.twitter.com/vsdhDUNLd3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 12, 2022
But while Chelsea offered Raphinha a lucrative contract, he was steadfast in his desire to move to Barcelona, who attempted an eleventh-hour hijack to land the Brazilian attacker. However, the Blaugrana did not succeed with the initial bid and eventually had to match Chelsea’s offer before striking a breakthrough in negotiations with Leeds.
According to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona will shell out a fixed sum worth €58 million to sign Raphinha, with add-ons taking the overall package to €67 million. The Italian journalist has added that the 25-year-old will pen a five-year contract that will last until June 30, 2027.
The official statement has revealed that the move is not officially complete yet, with Raphinha still to undergo a medical. But with Barcelona and Leeds reaching an agreement in principle to see the transfer through, the big-money transfer, courtesy of the activation of economic levers, the player will soon be seen donning the famous Blaugrana strip.
