This summer, Leeds United signed Brazilian winger Raphinha on a four year contract in a deal thought to be worth £17 million. But he very nearly didn’t join the Yorkshire club.
Since making his debut on the 19th October, Raphinha has been one of Leeds’ most exciting performers. He’s scored 3 goals and produced 3 assists becoming an important attacking outlet for the Mighty Whites.
Now a settled member of Bielsa’s side, it’s expected that the winger will continue to impress. He’s now made 14 Premier League appearances and is cemented as one of Leeds’ first choice XI.
But it could have been very different.
According to The Shields Gazette, the 24-year-old was offered to Newcastle for £12.5 million in the 2019 January transfer window. The deal of course never happened and 20 months later Leeds would pay just £4.5 million more to bring the Brazilian to Elland Road.
Funnily enough, almost exactly two years after the Magpies passed up the chance to bring the left-footed attacker to St James’ Park, he ran the show against Steve Bruce’s side. In the 17th minute, the £17 million man opened the scoring and went home with the Man of the Match having been key to most of Leeds United attacks.
On the other side was the man Newcastle elected to sign instead of him. Back in 2019, Newcastle were committed to signing Miguel Almiron meaning they saw little need in bringing in another left-footed winger.
But whilst Almiron and Newcastle battle for survival now, Leeds look clear of relegation and headed for a mid-table finish.
