Leeds United have made an excellent start to the Premier League season, with nine points from their first five games, and sit fifth in the table.
The 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday was a disappointing result and performance. But it took nothing away from the overall positivity around Elland Road.
Leeds have had a solid start to the season, and Daniel Farke has several reasons to be happy with how his team are shaping up in the 2026/27 season.
However, Whites fans should keep an eye on a former star who has made a glorious start to the season and has been scoring for fun in one of the biggest leagues in the world.
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Raphinha has been glorious for Barcelona this season
It has been years since Raphinha left Leeds to join Barcelona, but the Brazilian winger still holds a special place in the hearts of the Whites’ supporters.
He has also talked about his special connection with Leeds since leaving the club, and Leeds fans take pride in playing a part in his development.
Raphinha has been in scintillating form for Barcelona at the start of the season and has failed to score just once in the opening seven La Liga games.
He has scored 12 goals in seven appearances, including hat-tricks in the last two league games, and is also Barcelona’s captain.
The Brazilian failed to score against Levante but provided two assists to help the Catalan giants win 4-2. Barcelona have won all of their seven league games, and their captain has been at the centre of it all.
Raphinha’s form has made him one of the deadliest forwards in European football at the moment as he looks to lead Barcelona to more major trophies this season.
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A return to Leeds seems like a pipe dream
Leeds fans would love to have Raphinha back at Elland Road later in his career. However, it seems to be nothing more than a pipe dream for now.
He is 29 and at the peak of his powers. Barcelona have no reason to sell him, and he does not seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Even if the Brazilian leaves Barcelona in the coming years, plenty of clubs would be prepared to pay big money for him.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia will almost certainly show interest in Raphinha if he becomes available in the market in the next couple of years.
He has feelings for Leeds, but the commerce of signing the Brazilian means that a return to Elland Road is highly implausible for the winger in the coming years.
