Despite Leeds United’s tricky start to their second season back in the Premier League, one man has continued to grab the eye with his performances. 

Whites’ winger Raphinha says he’s enjoying life at Elland Road but the interest in the Brazil international is growing and Leeds’ resolve to keep the winger could be tested next summer. 

A Seamless Transition to England 

It really has been a smooth transition into the physicality and pace of the English game for the South American star.

Having been snapped up for a fee of £17million from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in 2020, Raphinha went on to enjoy a superb first season in the Premier League. Of course big-money signings don’t always go the way clubs would hope, especially in the Premier League, as Bobbie Jackson covered in his five greatest Premier League transfer flops. From what has been seen from Raphinha in the English top-flight, it seems the talented winger would have no issue making the step up to a side playing in the Champions League. 

Raphinha bagged his first Leeds goal last season, in the West Yorkshire outfit’s first Premier League win ever at Everton. The flying winger went on to find the back of the net five more times in the league, as Leeds enjoyed a nine-place finish in their first campaign back in the top flight for sixteen years.

While Raphinha has been winning the hearts of Leeds supporters, it’s unsurprising he’s also been catching the eye of other teams in the Premier League. 

Race For Raphinha Heating Up 

Last season saw Leeds’ arch-rivals Manchester United being linked with a move for Raphinha (Manchester Evening News). The 24-year-old’s efforts this season have earned him a first call-up to the Brazil senior squad, having never featured for his country at any other level. A brace of goals in his full debut against Uruguay (BBC Match Report) and impressing in a team of superstars has put Raphinha on the map. Not only now are Manchester United interested, but Liverpool are also thought to be keeping tabs on his situation at Elland Road (Leeds Live). 

On Raphinha’s current trajectory – impressing on the same field as PSG superstar Neymar for Brazil – other clubs from outside England might also take notice. It’s not just the player’s skills and pace that has clubs paying attention, but also his remarkable work rate in Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Raphinha works tirelessly down the right channel, while also having the ability to drift inside and pick out probing passes from deep.

While Leeds try to kick-start their season into gear (The Guardian) and climb away from trouble above the relegation zone, the club will already be feeling the eyes of the world on their rising star. 

Raphinha is a player who looks to have Champions League pedigree, also keeping hold of him in the long run will be a tough proposition for Leeds.

Posted on October 26th, 2021 by scott
Filed under: Article