Leeds United complete signing of Rennes winger Raphinha

Leeds United have completed a deal for Stade Rennais winger Raphinha in a deal worth a total of £21.5 million, with the initial fee standing at £15 million as the Brazilian signs a four-year deal. The transfer is subject to international clearance as he claims the number 18 shirt.

After a dream send-off for Rennes yesterday (04/10/20), the Brazilian agreed a four-year contract with The Whites before completing his medical today, becoming Leeds’ fourth senior signing this summer alongside German international Robin Koch, and Spain internationals Rodrigo Moreno and Diego Llorente.

Raphinha is a speedy winger who is good with both feet and loves having the ball. His skill on the ball opens up space for his teammates as well as himself, and he has no fear to carry the ball and run at defenders.

The 23-year old has scored one and assisted two from his six appearances this season, scoring one and assisting one yesterday for Rennes against Stade Reims. Last season Raphinha helped Rennes qualify for the Champions League as he scored five and assisted three in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Raphinha scored two and assisted two in the Coupe de France in what was his only season in Ligue 1.

The move has come as a surprise to many as Rennes only signed him last summer from Sporting Lisbon for £17 million, with Leeds buying him for an initial £15 million despite his fantastic campaign last season as the French side look to raise funds for other transfers.

An it hasn’t gone down well with Rennes fans, who started a rather rude hashtag trend on Twitter as the move came closer, reducing the UK culture to fish and chips. They weren’t the only agitated set of fans, as Leeds supporters started to get worried about the progress of the deal as the window’s 11pm deadline approached.

However, it was universally agreed by the Leeds faithful that a revival of the infamous “don’t go to bed just yet,“ tweet on deadline day 2014. An that’s just what they did, adding a plate of fish and chips for good measure.

Leeds may only trade now with EFL clubs, with the centre midfield position still in need of reinforcements. Todd Cantwell has been named as a possible target, as Norwich slap a £15 million price tag for Leeds to meet for the 22-year old’s services.