Ahead of Barcelona’s trip to Stamford Bridge, Raphinha was asked about the links to Chelsea when he was at Leeds.
Raphinha is one of the best in the world.
Last season, he matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record for goal involvements in a single campaign — with 21.
Fortunately for the Blues, Hansi Flick shared that he must manage Raphinha’s minutes after two months on the sideline, so he’s unlikely to have his usual impact at Stamford Bridge.
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The Brazilian is as dangerous a winger as you’ll find in Europe. While he didn’t have that same reputation at Leeds in 2022, Chelsea were still very interested in bringing him into the fold.
Raphinha speaks on possible Chelsea move
A move from Elland Road to Stamford Bridge was firmly on the cards before Barcelona swooped in.
Chelsea agreed terms with Leeds for Raphinha, and it looked to all the world like he would be a Blue in short order.
Despite Boehly personally looking into signing Raphinha, the deal never materialised, . He was on the ball with that interest, given how the Brazilian has developed in the time since.
Ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Chelsea, Raphinha was asked about the possible move, making his feelings crystal clear.
Raphinha playing for Barcelona
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
As AS Diario report, he responded: “Ever since I played my last game for Leeds, I knew of Chelsea’s interest. But I had a dream and I did everything I could to play for Barça.”
“I only had one dream, which was to play for Barça. I trusted in them and here I am wearing Barça’s colors.”
The 28-year-old is clearly happy with his decision, and understandably so. He’s a La Liga champion and a perennial Champions League contender with La Blaugrana, but it’s not like he would have regretted going to Chelsea instead.
Chelsea’s attack with Raphinha would be the best in the Premier League
As much as he’s a rival for the moment, Raphinha deserves plaudits as one of the world’s best.
If he had joined the Blues instead of moving to Spain, that’s an attack that would rival any in Europe.
The Brazilian trio of Joao Pedro, Estevao and Raphinha, with Cole Palmer behind them, sounds nothing short of ridiculous.
Jamie Gittens is only getting better at Chelsea, and Alejandro Garnacho also showing signs of improvement.
But putting Raphinha — who managed 56 goal involvements last season — out on that left flank would make Maresca’s attack the most lethal in England and a contender for best in Europe.
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Alas, he went to the Catalan outfit, and will be in the opposition dugout tonight.
It can be equal parts exciting and excruciating to ponder what could have been with transfers, especially at a club like Chelsea where so many top talents are linked every window.
But the Blues have done well in the market since, and have every chance over 90 minutes of making Raphinha regret his choice.