Leeds United

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Raphinha resolution comes, as Ornstein, Romano reveal finer details of Leeds sale and second reason Chelsea missed out

Raphinha Leeds Utd winger, all smiles during Premier League win over Norwich at Carrow Road

A Barcelona deal to sign Raphinha is fully agreed on all fronts and could be officially confirmed today, and two heavyweight reporters have shed new light on the impending Leeds Utd sale.

The Brazilian, 25, has been everything Leeds fans could’ve hoped for and more over the last two years. His marauding displays down the right flank have thrust him into contention to start for Brazil at the World Cup. However, they also attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest hitters.

Indeed, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona all sought to bring Raphinha on board this summer.

Chelsea had a bid worth an initial £55m accepted, though Raphinha only had eyes for Barcelona.

He did not agree personal terms with the Blues and while Chelsea’s deal remained in limbo, Barcelona finally mobilised.

Barcelona have agreed a deal worth an initial £49m, potentially rising to £57.6m pending add-ons.

The initial outlay is less than Leeds would have received from Chelsea. Prior reporting has claimed Raphinha will pocket around £102,000-a-week – a figure also less than Chelsea were offering.

A five-year deal running until 2027 is due to be signed and both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein reported Raphinha will fly out to Barcelona today (Wednesday) to add the finishing touches to the deal. That includes undergoing a medical and officially putting pen to paper.

Early personal terms agreement key

Regarding why Barcelona have been able to beat Chelsea to the move, the lure of playing for one of the Spanish giants for a South American is an obvious answer. Indeed, it’s been well documented Raphinha heavily favoured joining Barcelona above all else.

However, Romano suggested a second reason, claiming Raphinha agreeing personal terms with Barcelona five months ago ‘made the difference’.

With an agreement in place, Barcelona always had the belief they could forge a deal in the end – even after Chelsea looked to have stolen a march.

Can Leeds survive without Raphinha, Phillips?

Once Raphinha departs, Leeds will have sold their two best players in the same window. For a club that only narrowly avoided relegation last year, that is a frightening thought.

Aside from being the two finest assets at Jesse Marsch’s disposal, Raphinha and Phillips were also two of the most influential.

The Whites’ points tallies with and without Phillips in the starting eleven is stark. Raphinha, meanwhile, practically kept Leeds’ heads above water by himself in the final third during the first half of last season.

However, Leeds have acted quickly to bring viable replacements on board in good time.

Tyler Adams will replace Phillips and the arrival of Marc Roca could further soften the blow. Luis Sinisterra has joined from Feyenoord and the left winger will likely push one of Dan James or Jack Harrison onto the right.

The club’s business on the arrivals end has been impressive and decisive. But whether it’s enough to offset the Raphinha and Phillips losses is another matter entirely.