Back in July, Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds in a £55m deal following an intense transfer saga involving the Brazilian.
The 25-year-old turned down offers from Arsenal and Chelsea in favour of teaming up with Xavi at the Camp Nou.
Raphinha enjoyed a fine start to life in Catalonia, although things have now began to turn a bit sour.
Raphinha criticised after Leeds exit
Well, after five matches without a goal or assist to his name, the South American is under the spotlight.
Writing for Mundo Deportivo, Spanish journalist Xavier Bosch has criticised Raphinha for his efforts in recent weeks, stating that the winger is “fading alarmingly” at Barcelona.
Bosch added: “Those dry and distant shots seem to have disappeared from his catalogue, his Neymar-like dribbles that amazed us in the summer have withered in the autumn.
“There are no breaking runs, constantly being offered as before, and the successful dribbling rate is very poor. Since his return (from international break) he appears more subdued and without a spark.”
So far this season, Raphinha has only scored one goal in nine appearances for his new side – Leeds fans, as well as regular viewers of the Premier League, will tell you that he is certainly capable of better.
Leeds did well from Raphinha sale
In our view, Leeds handled interest in Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips superbly in the summer.
As aforesaid, the Whites received a £55m fee from Barcelona, while they also held firm until Manchester City paid £45m for the Yorkshire Pirlo.
To receive £100m for a £17m signing and an academy graduate is superb business – Victor Orta also moved quickly to ensure the duo were replaced swiftly with deals for Marc Roca and Luis Sinisterra.
The longer Raphinha struggles at Barcelona, the more his £55m fee will look like excellent business from Leeds.
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