Three years ago, Leeds United fans were force to face an inevitability and that was the exit of Raphinha with the Brazilian superstar moving to the Nou Camp for a £55m fee.
Raphinha chose to join Barcelona even though Deco revealed Arsenal and Chelsea had offered more cash as the Brazilian followed in his idol Ronaldinho’s footsteps. The first two years at Barcelona were tough.
The Elland Road icon was often seen as a source of blame for Barcelona fans as he struggled to show his best, inconsistent with a few moments of magic. But this season, Raphinha is in the form of his career.
Having scored the only goal of the game in the first leg of Barcelona’s Round of 16 Champions League tie against Benfica, Raphinha netted a brace and got an assist as Barcelona secured a 3-1 second leg win.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
How much will Leeds receive if Raphinha and Barcelona win it
The 4-1 aggregate win, in which Raphinha netted three of the four goals, sees Barcelona reach the last eight of the competition. Hansi Flick’s side are in excellent form and one of the favourite to win it.
There is a clause in Raphinha’s deal from Leeds that would see The Whites receive a fee if Barcelona won the Champions League. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Leeds would rake in a £10m figure.
While there is a long way to go with both PSG and Bayern Munich also showing plenty of promise and Inter Milan also booking their quarter-final spot, Barcelona and Raphinha have a chance of winning it.
Raphinha saved Leeds United once, he could aid survival again
His last game for Leeds saw Raphinha win a penalty and score against Brentford during a 2-1 away win on the final day of the 2021-22 season. The victory saw Leeds survive relegation, by the skin of their teeth.
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It is three years since Raphinha last donned a Leeds shirt but even now, the Brazilian could continue to help Leeds in their bid to avoid relegation. If promoted, £10m will help Leeds make a possible signing.
Even if he is no longer at the club, Raphinha is still helping Leeds and if the Brazilian can continue to drag Barcelona through the knockout stages of the Champions League to the title, Leeds will be in the money.