‘Game-changing’ player rejected five other clubs to sign for Leeds this summer

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Leeds United new boy Raphinha turned down five clubs to move to Elland Road, the Yorkshire Evening Post report.

Leeds snapped up Raphinha on deadline day, but the doing the transfer was not straight forward.

The Brazilian winger, who was labelled a ‘game changer’ by BBC Sport, had plenty of interest from other sides in him, but decided that Leeds was his best option.

And Leeds transfer chief Victor Orta said: “Our aim was to react as soon as possible because, obviously, other teams were trying to target this winger.

“His club signed a young player from Anderlect and decided to prioritise this investment. Raphinha had four or five teams to choose from after a really good season and decided on Leeds and the Premier League.”

The level of interest in Raphinha should be no surprise, as he caught the eye with some dazzling displays in France last term.

The 23-year-old was a constant menace to defences, and helped Rennes finish in third place in the Ligue 1 standings.

The hope is that Raphinha’s arrival can help Leeds in an attacking sense over the course of the campaign, although he may have to be patient while he waits for his chance.

Marcelo Bielsa never likes throwing new signings straight into his first-team, and Leeds’ wingers have all been in good form.

The likes of Helder Costa and Jack Harrison have been two of Leeds’ most impressive players over the early part of the campaign, and they won’t want to give up their places in the starting line-up easily.