Barcelona’s exit in the Champions League semi-final to Inter Milan means Leeds United have once again missed out on a €12m bonus for Raphinha.
The Brazilian winger has been instrumental in Barcelona’s remarkable campaign, scoring 16 goals to help them to the top of La Liga, whilst he also starred as they won the Copa del Rey, and he has found the net 13 times in 14 Champions League fixtures this term.
Raphinha's 24/25 Barcelona Stats (Source: Transfermarkt)
Competition
Champions League
La Liga
Copa del Rey
Supercup
Figures correct as of 7/5/25
The latest of those came in a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro on Tuesday night, with Raphinha looking as though he had settled the tie in Barcelona’s favour before the Italians mounted an incredible comeback.
Leeds United set for Raphinha payday if Barcelona win the Champions League
So, it was heartbreak for the Catalan giants, and Leeds would also have wanted Barcelona to lift the famous trophy, as they would have seen them bank a substantial sum.
Raphinha's goal for Leeds against Brentford
It was reported that Barcelona had agreed a €60m deal for Raphinha when they signed him in 2022, with €48m of that guaranteed for the Whites.
However, the additional €12m was down to certain clauses being met, with Marca stating that winning the Champions League was the ‘most important’ one to trigger that extra payment.
In Raphinha’s first season with Barcelona, they crashed out at the group stage, whilst they were defeated in the quarter-final of the previous campaign.
There was hope that they could secure the trophy for a sixth time this season, but that epic 7-6 defeat over two legs means it eludes them once more.
Raphinha scores a hat-trick for Barcelona vs Bayern Munich
But, with Raphinha emerging as a key figure under Hansi Flick, Barcelona are sure to be in the mix for the trophy over the next few years, so Leeds will continue to watch on with interest.
Leeds United set for busy transfer window even without Raphinha windfall
This would have been a very welcome boost for Leeds, as we know they need to invest in the squad following promotion, and another €12m would help considerably.
Chairman Paraag Marathe is on record stating they will spend every penny possible as they also look to comply with PSR rules, so any bonus would’ve helped on that front.
Junior Firpo, Everton and West Ham Related
Everton, West Ham facing Barcelona, AC Milan battle for out-of-contract Leeds United ace
Firpo remains out-of-contract at Elland Road heading into next season
But, it wasn’t to be, and it’s not like that will significantly impact Leeds’ transfer plans going into the window.
They are clearly going to splash the cash, and the focus will be on trying to find more players like Raphinha, who can come in and make a massive impact on the pitch, as the attacker was a joy to watch for Leeds fans during his time at Elland Road.