The Brazilian star has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer and the chase for his signature long. After turning up at Elland Road for the past two seasons, he has made no secret of his desire to play at a higher level. Along with Deco’s agent, the two men were always clear that Barcelona was their first choice. However, agreeing to this deal was far from easy. Barcelona’s crippling debts, coupled with Leeds’ £65m valuation of their star, ensured they were, at times, miles away from his price. Indeed, their first bid in May included just £46.7m (€55m) – around £19m of Leeds’ asking price. Their inability to reach an agreement also allowed other suitors to come sniffing around. Arsenal’s interest was quickly dismissed out of hand. the lack of Champions League football is costing them. However, Chelsea immediately jumped into the fray by offering a package that Leeds found acceptable. Offering £55m upfront, they also included add-ons believed to bring the deal closer to the £65m asking price. Discussions with Chelsea then began, but despite a handsome salary offer from new Blues owner Todd Bohli, the player did not sign on the dotted line. To tell the truth, Rafinha only wanted Barcelona and was charging Deco to push them once more. This prompted them to submit a second bid for the player on Friday. That reportedly matched Chelsea’s offer, although it had a much reduced advance against the Blues. Again, Leeds rejected the offer, standing their ground and knowing that Chelsea offered the best deal. Ultimately, Raphinha and Deco opted to hand in an ultimatum to Barcelona in a bid to end the saga.
An agreement has been reached with Barcelona for the transfer of Rafinha
And now, late on Sunday night, the two clubs have reportedly reached an agreement for Rafinha’s transfer. Multiple reports in Spain, as well as CBS Sports in America and the Daily Mail claim that Barcelona and Leeds are in agreement. They agreed to pay Leeds an upfront fee of £55m, with a further £8m in add-ons and bonuses. That would take the 25-year-old’s total sale to £63m – a deal the Whites are ultimately happy to accept. Staying behind to train alone at Leeds’ Thorp Arch training base while the rest of the squad traveled to Australia, the player is now set to arrive in Catalonia later on Monday to finalize the deal. He has already agreed personal terms worth around £101,000-a-week (€120,000-a-week) and on a deal until 2027. Chelsea’s offer for the player was worth around £120,000-a-week – but the player only wanted Barcelona. Reports in Spain say he will undergo a medical later on Monday. And, if all goes well, Rafinha could be unveiled as a Barcelona player before the end of the week. Surprisingly, Barcelona are also agreeing a deal to extend Ousmane Dembele’s stay. According to information, he will sign a new contract, but with a 40% pay cut.
Leeds get their valuation on Raphinha
After months of speculation and transfer talk, Leeds United and Rafinha can (almost) celebrate the end of history. Having seen Jack Grealish sign for a British record £100m last summer, the Whites knew their valuation of Raphinha and stuck to it. And given that Calvin Phillips was sold for just £42m to Manchester City, there may have been fears that they would let Rafinha go on the cheap. Ultimately though, Chelsea’s strong interest in securing the signature as well helped Leeds achieve their valuation. The point now for Leeds is to make sure Barcelona do their part. Leeds will want to guarantee that Barcelona keep their word before officially letting the player leave.
Rafinha at Barca still alive?
Rafinha has been in verbal agreement with Barcelona over his future for months, but the Catalans will have to sell before they can spend £60million on the Brazilian. They have debts estimated to be worth anywhere from £500m to £800m depending on what you read. However, selling a percentage of their TV rights seems to have given them the cash boost they require. The Whites will now look to spend the money themselves on a new striker. Having been active in the window so far, a striker is the last big signing they need. To that end, Leeds are just £4m short of an opening bid for PSG’s Arnaud Kalimuendo.
