Is Raphinha destined to leave Leeds for an elite club?
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In case we all needed reminding, Raphinha underlined his undeniable talent with a superb goal in Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Everton last weekend.
The Brazilian has been one of Leeds’ standout players since they returned to the Premier League, with many believing that he is destined for bigger and better things.
Raphinha enjoyed a stellar breakout campaign last term, racking up six goals and nine assists in 30 appearances across his maiden Premier League season.
In fact, his eight goals and eleven assists made him the joint-most productive Brazilian player across Europe’s top five leagues in 2020/21.
As you can see from the list below, the 24-year-old found himself above a host of big-name stars last term.
- Raphinha – Leeds United: 8 goals, 11 assists (19)
- Joao Pedro – Cagliari: 16 goals, 3 assists (19)
- Matheus Pereira – West Bromwich Albion: 11 goals, 6 assists (17)
- Roberto Firmino – Liverpool: 10 goals, 7 assists (17)
- Lucas Paqueta – Olympique Lyon: 10 goals, 6 assists (16)
- Gabriel Jesus – Manchester City: 9 goals, 6 assists (15)
- Neymar – Paris Saint-German: 9 goals, 5 assists (14)
Raphinha chalked up eight goals and eleven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions last season.
That means the winger averaged 0.5 goal involvements per game, or a goal involvement every two appearances.
With numbers like that, it is difficult to image Leeds holding onto him for much longer – especially if Marcelon Bielsa’s side aren’t able to secure European football.
Raphina started his career in his homeland with Avai Futebol Clube but moved to Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes before making a senior appearance.
He bagged five goals and one assist in 16 games for Vitoria’s B team before tallying 22 goals and 13 assists in 84 appearances for the senior side.
In 2018, he moved to Portuguese giant Sporting CP – notching up nine goals and five assists in 41 matches for the club.
The following year, he moved to French side Rennes. He managed eight goals and seven assists in 36 games before securing a move to Leeds.
Raphinha’s record for Leeds currently stands at seven goals and nine assists in 33 matches. If he carries on the way he is going, it will only be a matter of time before the top clubs come calling.
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