Raphael Dias Belloli, better known as Raphinha, was born on December 14, 1996, and is a winger who excels in one-on-one situations, with taking on defenders being an important part of his game. His first European club was Vitria Guimaraes, from which he moved to Sporting Clube de Portugal for 6.5 million euros.
After making a name for himself in Portugal, Rennes paid 21 million euros for the winger, making him the club's second most expensive player ever at the time. Raphinha moved to the Premier League after impressing Leeds United coach Marcelo Bielsa during his time in Ligue 1. Raphina made 30 appearances in his first season under the Argentine coach, scoring six goals and providing nine assists. The following season, despite playing in a struggling Leeds squad, the Brazilian scored 11 goals and provided three assists to help the Yorkshire club avoid relegation. The Brazilian's daring style of play won him fans at Elland Road.
Raphinha was called up to the Brazilian national team for the first time on August 13, 2021, for a triple header of 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Chile, Argentina, and Peru. He eventually made his debut for the Seleço Canarinho on October 7th in a win over Venezuela, scoring two of the three goals. Raphinha joins FC Barcelona in good form, having had his best season in terms of stats and quality.
Chelsea had planned a medical for Raphinha ahead of a potential move from Leeds United, but he has snubbed them in order to join Barcelona. Raphinha, 25, is an attacker who has been the subject of transfer rumours this summer.
Chelsea had set a price tag of £60 million ahead of a move to sign the Brazil international, according to The Athletic. The Blues are said to have begun preparing for the left-footed winger's medical as well. According to the report, Thomas Tuchel's side believed the race to sign Raphinha was still alive two days ago, but Barcelona have now won the race. Blues fans may be relieved to see the end of this transfer saga. Raphinha's final destination has been an up and down transfer story, but Barcelona has reportedly always been his preferred destination. Once completed, Chelsea fans can forget about a player who Todd Boehly reportedly considered signing.
Yes, Raphinha has shone in the Premier League for Leeds over the last two seasons. He's a very talented wide receiver who deserves a big move. His heart, however, is set on a move to Camp Nou. The deal for the 25-year-old Brazilian playmaker is said to be worth 58 million euros (£49 million). Both clubs announced that a "in principle agreement" had been reached, subject to the player passing a medical. Raphinha appeared in 65 Premier League games during his two seasons at Elland Road, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists.
Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch had previously confirmed the player's departure. "I'm hopeful for him because I know it's his dream to play for Barcelona," Marsch said during the club's Australian tour. The player appeared to be on his way to Chelsea until Barcelona expressed interest in him. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be interested in the former Rennes player, but he has always preferred the Catalan club. The funds for Raphinha and the sale of midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City, according to Marsch, "allow us to take the club on the next steps we need to take in the future."
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