Barcelona, Leeds United Agree On Raphinha Five-Year-Contract

Spanish top football club, Barcelona has confirmed talks with Leeds United to sign Brazilian player, Raphinha.

The Catalans announced in a post on their official website on Wednesday that an agreement has been reached with the English football club for the transfer of their 25-year-old midfielder.

Barcelona, however, noted that the deal will be completed after the player passes his medicals.

Naija News understands that Barcelona splashed the sum of 55 million euros with a potential 15 million euros in add-ons to land a five-year contract deal for Raphinha.

“Barcelona and Leeds United Football Club have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Raphael Dias Belloli, Raphinha, pending the player passing his medical,” the Spanish club said.

The player whose full name is Raphael Dias Belloli made his first Europe club appearance for the Portuguese side Vitòria Guimaraes from where he moved on to Sporting Clube de Portugal for 6.5 million euros.

Subsequently, Raphinha got a French club deal as Rennes paid 21 million euros to get him to play for them, making him their second most expensive player ever at the time.

Raphinha had a successful spell in Ligue 1 and attracted the attention of Leeds United coach Marcelo Bielsa who made him move to the Premier League, Naija News reports.

In his first season under the Argentine coach, Raphina made 30 appearances, scoring six goals and providing nine assists.

In the subsequent season, Raphinha scored 11 goals and made three assists to help the Yorkshire club avoid relegation.

Barcelona believes that Raphinha’s football skills and talent would at the moment be needed at the club.