Brazilian winger Raphinha is officially a Barca player now. The Catalan club has reached an agreement with Leeds United over the transfer fee for the Brazilian. Personal terms with the 25-year-old have been agreed with former Barcelona midfielder Deco, Raphinha’s agent, about five months ago.
According to Fabrizio Romano Barcelona will pay a €58m fixed fee for Raphinha which will be €67m including add-ons.
Raphinha to Barcelona, here we go! Full agreement reached with Leeds after today’s bid accepted: €58m fixed fee plus add-ons up to total €67m package. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
Raphinha only wanted Barça since February and he’s set to sign until June 2027, time for documents and contracts. pic.twitter.com/JtLXCXa03e
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2022
Raphinha only wanted to join Barcelona. It has been a long cherished dream for the player, and also his family and friends, to play for the Catalan club. He will sign a 5-year contract until June 2027. Raphinha passed his medical in Barcelona on Wednesday, 13th July.
Raphinha was on the radar of several top flight EPL outfits including Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea. He was a top priority for Chelsea and Leeds United agreed a bid around €60m from Chelsea. But Raphinha didn’t signal a green light as he wanted to join the Blaugrana only.
Raphinha talks about his delight and dream of putting on a Barcelona shirt.
“For me it’s a dream, not just mine but my family and friends,” said Raphinha. “Whoever saw me play, knows that to get here is a dream that I’ve had since I was young. Now what I have to do is give my best and help Barça to return to being the Barça they always were.”
Moreover, Raphinha confirms that he is “always fighting to win games, in training and be the best every day.”
He wanted to follow the footsteps of the great Barca legends Ronaldinho and Neymar, and here he is.
“I saw Ronaldinho and Neymar play here. I am one more Brazilian who is arriving at Barça and I hope to achieve what they achieved there.”
What will be Raphinha’s Shirt Number at Barcelona?
Raphinha would don the number 11 shirt for Barcelona. Previously it was occupied by Yusef Demir and Adama Traore. As Traore left the club this transfer window, the number 11 shirt is currently vacant.
Raphinha would wear the number 11 shirt for Barcelona like his fellow Brazilian Neymar.
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