Leeds have sold a number of players over the years who have gone on to enjoy solid careers.
The likes of Chris Wood and Lewis Cook have become regulars in the Premier League at Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth respectively, while Kasper Schmeichel also became champion of England at Leicester after leaving Elland Road in 2011.
However, there is one player Leeds sold who is now being described as one of the very best footballers on the planet…
Raphinha named “one of the best” footballers in the world after Leeds exit
Well, Leeds sold Raphinha to Barcelona for £55m back in June 2022.
It came after the Brazilian enjoyed two electric seasons at Elland Road following a £17m move from Rennes in October 2020 – scoring 17 goals while also providing 12 assists in 67 games.
Raphinha endured a stuttering debut campaign at Barcelona as the Spanish giants crashed out of the UEFA Champions League at the Group Stage, but he is now flying in Catalonia.
The South American netted two goals in Wednesday’s 3-2 UEFA Champions League quarter-final win over PSG to hand Barcelona an important victory, and Xavi has now heaped praise on the man from Porto Alegre.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the Spaniard said: “The real Raphinha is the one we saw in Paris. He’s intense, finds the space, creating chances. He’s one of the best players in the world when it’s the moment to attack the space.”
The Barcelona No.11 now has eight goals and ten assists in 30 appearances this season.
Contrasting fortunes
Leeds also sold Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City in a £45m deal during that summer of 2022, although the England international’s move has not been as successful as Raphinha’s switch to Barcelona.
The Yorkshire Pirlo is now struggling on loan at West Ham, although that could see him make a shock return to Elland Road.
A story from the Daily Star states that Leeds would like to bring Phillips back if Daniel Farke wins promotion this season, so be sure to keep an eye on that situation.
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