When Raphinha left Leeds United for Barcelona for €58m deal in 2022, it took a while for him to settle in, as he was even called a flop in his first months there.
Things have improved a lot since then, though, as the winger often gets starts for the Catalan side, having also made a comeback to the national team.
Newspaper Mundo Deportivo now features a long column on the player, claiming that he’s been showing ‘more than goals’ to help Barcelona lately and deserves credit for his efforts since the Leeds United exit.
Even though Raphinha recently scored three goals in two games, it’s highlighted that the winger has many other qualities which recently convinced Xavi to bench João Felix in important games.
Mundo Deportivo recall that Barcelona had to pay Leeds an ‘excessive sum’ for the signing, and state he struggled to convince the Catalan fans at the start.
Raphinha ‘did not give up’, though, and with eight goals and ten assists this season so far, it seems like the big investment made to bring him to the Camp Nou is being paid off this season.
The Brazilian’s effort on the pitch is highlighted, especially his help with defending, and it’s made clear – in a snipe to others – that not many of his teammates do that.
Mundo Deportivo say Barcelona had always been comfortable paying Leeds United a big fee because they believed that even if Raphinha didn’t come good they’d be able to get their money back from a Premier League club.
