Raphinha is finally beginning to be appreciated by Barcelona, and possibly more especially by the club’s journalists. There have been countless rumors that he will be sold back to the Premier League since he was acquired from Leeds United in 2022 for roughly €55 million.
There seemed to be a persistent belief that Barcelona would eventually be given the opportunity to turn a significant profit, and it seemed that this was one of the factors that led to his first signing from Leeds United.
Newcastle United, who had been positioned as the most likely destination, never seemed like a genuine alternative at the rates being offered, though, as the market adjusted slightly due to PSR concerns.
Raphinha simply kept his head down and kept giving it his all since he had no plans to leave Camp Nou. He is currently Barcelona’s vice captain and is about to make his 100th appearance for the team.
Victor Orta’s transfer to Leeds United is portrayed in Wednesday’s edition of Marca as a somewhat brilliant move.
Marca maintains that he paid about €15 million to move to Elland Road, but at the time, there were rumors that the sum given to Rennes was closer to €20 million.
According to the Spanish daily, if Orta were asked what Raphinha’s best attributes are, he would remark that the Brazilian striker just enjoys training.
“In the English club’s scouting department, the Brazilian’s defensive ratios were always much more surprising than his offensive ones,” Marca says, even going so far as to name Raphinha “the most underrated Brazilian in Barca’s history.” Stereotypes lead us to believe that Brazilian players are extremely talented but rarely used defensively. This isn’t true. He was one of the Premier League’s most dedicated players, putting in tremendous effort at a rapid pace. His present form at Barcelona, covering more territory and exuding unwavering confidence, leads us to believe that he is reverting to his former self.