Leeds United have confirmed that Raphinha will join Barcelona this summer after a fee of £50million was agreed between both sides, with £5m in add-ons expected, with the move subject to a medical.
Raphinha has been the standout star for Leeds ever since they were promoted back to the Premier League in 2020, and joins Barcelona off the back of an 11-goal season with the Peacocks that resulted in them avoiding relegation. The Brazilian was signed for just £17m, and it became clear very quickly that Leeds had secured an absolute bargain.
It's the news that Leeds fans didn't want to hear, but he leaves on good terms after giving his all for the club last season. And even Jesse Marsch admitted that he hoped Raphinha got his 'dream move' to Barcelona as a reward for his efforts.
Raphinha was subject to bids from Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona this summer, with the 25-year-old proving that he's be a welcome addition to any top European side. But for Raphinha, it was always going to be Barcelona as it's always been a dream for the Brazilian.
Although Raphinha was a huge asset for Marsch, the Leeds boss admitted that he was happy for his soon to be former star as he revealed he was 'thankful' for his efforts. Marsch said ahead of their pre-season match against Brisbane Roar: "I'll give you a quick update on Raphinha, things will move along.
"But as much as it's really hard to lose him, if you think about a young man who was pretty much guaranteed to go on a reduced transfer fee to Barcelona if we were relegated, but then you watch the performances he gave and how committed he was to helping the club stay up, I think it would be hard for anyone of that age to perform the way that he did.
"We are so thankful. I had a very clear conversation with him and a big part of us considering to move him on was the fact he was so committed.
"It made it easy for us to be very connected with what his goals are in life and in his career are. So, I'm hopeful for his sake, as much as it is hard to see him leave. I’m hopeful for him to get this deal done because I know it’s his dream to play for Barcelona."
But although they've now lost both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, Marsch was positive as he explained how the £92m they have received may actually help the club in the future. "However, with him and Kalvin moving on, it allows us to take the club into the future, take the next steps," Marsch added.
"So hopefully the next time we have a player like that we can make them understand that logically the best option is to stay because we are pushing for big goals." Leeds avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League season as they snatched victory against Brentford in the final minute, while Burnley suffered defeat to Newcastle.
It was Burnley that joined both Watford and Norwich while Leeds stayed up, to the delight of Marsch and the entire club. With Phillips and Raphinha always destined to move on, they would have received a fraction of the price should the club have been relegated.
But Raphinha and Phillips' efforts helped keep Leeds in the top flight, and £92m was raised this summer instead. Leeds were rocked by injury last season, and will be hoping for a better run this time around even without some of their main stars.
