Leeds announce Raphinha signing as winger secures big-money switch

Raphinha -pic via LUFC.com

Leeds have announced they have completed the signing of Brazilian winger Raphinha on a four-year deal to 2024 subject to international clearance.

The attacker, who plays off the right wing but is comfortable in attack has cost a reported €17m. He will wear the No 18 shirt for Leeds.

He could make his debut against Wolves at Elland Road in two weeks time.

Reports on Sunday claimed Leeds had already finalised terms with the player, though there were doubts over a work permit.

However, is since emerged that he holds an Italian passport and did not require a permit to secure the move to West Yorkshire.

Leeds have paid the same fee which Rennes paid to Sporting Lisbon to sign Raphinha in 2019.

In his debut season in France, the striker scored nine goals and assisted five others in 34 appearances. He has started this season brightly too, laying on two goals in five Ligue 1 outings.

The Whites have already bolstered their attack amid their return to the summit of English football. Rodrigo has arrived from Valencia, scoring his first goal for the club on Saturday.

Patrick Bamford also has three goals in four Premier League games, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side causing champions Liverpool and Manchester City serious problems.

Raphinha would be Leeds’ fourth major signing of the transfer window. Defenders Robin Koch and Diego Llorente both arrived after Rodrigo.

The Brazilian will add competition to their forward line and will compete with Helder Costa, Jack Harrison and Ian Poveda for a wide berth.

Leeds turned to Raphinha after Manchester United refused to sanction the departure of long-term target Daniel James.

 

Augustin heading to Nantes

Jean-Kevin Augustin is set to draw a line under his Leeds career by securing a move to Ligue 1 side Nantes.

Jean-Kevin Augustin

The French striker was United’s big-name recruit in the January transfer window, signing on loan from the Bundesliga side. His transfer included the option to sign in a permanent £18m deal. On top of the £2m loan fee Leeds paid Leipzig, that would have made him their record signing.

But fitness issues have severely hampered Augustin‘s spell at Elland Road. Indeed, Augustin has managed just three substitute appearances for the club, totally 49 minutes. He failed to score as goal.

However, reports in France claim the attacker is now poised to join Nantes as a free agent. That will raise hopes that Leeds have managed to avoid financial sanctions for failing to trigger his deal.

 

READ MORE here….