Former Leeds United employee shares how Marcelo Bielsa actually pulled off Raphinha transfer, ‘it was crazy’

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Raphinha is now one of the best players in the world, but what Leeds United did for him changed his career.

It’s an extraordinary story as Raphinha who was once scrapping for safety in the Premier League with Leeds could now be on the verge of a Ballon d’Or.

Raphinha is equalling Lionel Messi records, which just emphasises how brilliant a footballer he is.

This won’t come as a surprise in the slightest to Marcelo Bielsa, who nurtured him to become one of the best.

Well now there is a completely new view on how the Brazilian making the move to Yorskhire came about, and it’s safe to say, it’s ‘crazy’.

How Marcelo Bielsa pulled off Raphinha transfer at Leeds United

Bielsa had a keen eye for talent like Raphinha hence why he brought him to the club.

The winger has a great respect for the Argentine, as Raphinha is grateful for Bielsa’s guidance at Leeds.

He’s obviously learnt a lot at Barcelona, but he really learned his trade at Elland Road, and the deal almost never came about in the first place as Raphinha almost rejected Leeds.

But thankfully, it did come about, and former Leeds analyst and Bielsa’s translator has explained how.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Andres Clavijo, who was known for his role in Bielsa’s post-match interviews, gave his view on Raphinha’s transfer from Rennes in 2020.

“I remember saying to him (Bielsa), ‘He is probably way out of our budget because I am sure they will not let him go for anything less than £30m after the season he has had.’ They had just bought him from Sporting the season before for around £20m.

“But I think Marcelo then contacted Victor (Orta). Victor reached out to Rennes, and they said it was impossible, but it came about in the last couple of days of the window.

“It was crazy that we pulled that off. We could not believe our luck.”

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsdale shares his transfer preference after links to Leeds United

Daniel Farke needs to replicate Raphinha transfer at Leeds

Daniel Farke has created a brilliant squad at Leeds, but it does feel like they’re missing that spark of someone like Raphinha.

When you look at Leeds’ squad, there aren’t names that really jump out at you that would go for such a high fee like Raphinha’s £55m transfer fee.

That’s the piece Farke needs to fill for next season if the Whites make the step up to the Premier League.

There have already been the likes of Evan Ferguson on Leeds’ radar, but someone like Emi Buendia who has been of interest to Leeds to get fans jumping out of their seats, is the ideal goal.

Farke needs to find the next Raphinha, as not only could it be a remarkable asset but also could come with a sizeable sale, which can help the 49ers’ project.