Raphinha’s Move to Barcelona and His Impact on Leeds United
Three years ago, Leeds United fans had to accept the inevitable departure of Raphinha, as the Brazilian winger left Elland Road for Barcelona in a £55 million transfer. Despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, who reportedly offered higher fees, Raphinha chose to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Ronaldinho, by moving to the Nou Camp.
His first two seasons in Spain were challenging, as he struggled with consistency and was often criticized by Barcelona supporters. However, this season has seen a dramatic turnaround in his form, with Raphinha playing some of the best football of his career.
In the Champions League Round of 16 against Benfica, he scored the only goal in the first leg before delivering a standout performance in the return fixture, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 3-1 victory. His three goals across both legs helped Barcelona secure a 4-1 aggregate win and advance to the quarter-finals.
How Leeds Could Benefit from Raphinha’s Success
With Barcelona in strong form under Hansi Flick, they are considered one of the top contenders for this season’s Champions League title. If the Spanish club goes on to win the competition, Leeds United could receive a financial boost.
According to reports, a clause in Raphinha’s transfer agreement entitles Leeds to a £10 million payment if Barcelona lifts the Champions League trophy. While the competition remains highly competitive, with teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan also in contention, Raphinha’s contributions could play a key role in Barcelona’s campaign.
Raphinha’s Lasting Influence on Leeds
Raphinha’s final appearance for Leeds was in a crucial 2-1 victory over Brentford on the last day of the 2021-22 season. His performance, which included winning and converting a penalty, was instrumental in securing Leeds’ Premier League survival.
Although he left the club soon after, his impact on Leeds may not be over yet. If Barcelona wins the Champions League, the £10 million payment could provide Leeds with funds to strengthen their squad, particularly if they secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Even after his departure, Raphinha continues to influence Leeds United’s future, and if he helps Barcelona go all the way, his legacy at Elland Road could extend beyond his time on the pitch.
Championship Promotion Race: Leeds Gaining an Edge?
Meanwhile, Leeds remains locked in a tight Championship promotion battle. Sheffield United and Burnley both closed the gap over the weekend after Leeds suffered a defeat to Portsmouth. However, both rivals dropped points on Tuesday night, failing to secure wins that could have put additional pressure on Leeds.
Sheffield United, level on 76 points with Leeds before their match, only managed a 1-1 draw against Bristol City, with Mark Sykes scoring a late equalizer for the visitors. Burnley also dropped points in a 1-1 draw with West Brom, despite Zian Hemmings scoring for them.
Following Sheffield United’s missed opportunity, manager Chris Wilder admitted his team lacked energy, describing their performance with the words: “Lethargic, leggy, no energy for some reason.” His side struggled to control the game, allowing Bristol City to dominate midfield, which could be a worrying sign as the season reaches its final stretch.
With Sheffield United and Burnley both failing to capitalize, Leeds now has a major opportunity. A victory against Millwall in their next fixture would see them move two points clear of Sheffield United and four ahead of Burnley, significantly boosting their promotion hopes.