During the Jesse Marsch era, there was a complete revamp of the Leeds United squad. A lot of work in the transfer window that ultimately played a big part in Leeds being relegated to the Championship.
Victor Orta had credit in the bank at the beginning of the 2021-22 season. But his final year as the club’s sporting director changed all that, firstly firing Marcelo Bielsa and then choosing to hire Jesse Marsch.
Giving Marsch the club’s full backing while also sprinkling a few signings on the Leeds squad himself in 2022, Leeds became a worse side that summer after cashing on Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha for £100m.
In came the likes of Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Georginio Rutter and plenty more that struggled in the Premier League. Leeds are still recovering from that, remaining in the Championship.
Arsenal make Raphinha move two years after Leeds United exit
Raphinha is widely-regarded as Leeds’ best player since the turn of the century. He had a hand in 29 goals in 67 games for Leeds in his two years at the club and that form earned him a move to Barcelona in 2022.
His first two seasons at the Nou Camp were solid but this term, he has been on fire. With Marc Andre ter-Stegen injured, Raphinha has been captianing Hansi Flick’s side and has had a hand in 27 goals this term.
In only 24 games, Raphinha is setting alight Barcelona’s already-super side. Harry Gray thinks Raphinha is the best in the world, after he surpassed 70 goals and assists earlier this month for the Spanish giants.
That form is attracting the interest of Arsenal. Graeme Bailey has told TBR Football that Arsenal have now informed Barcelona of their intent to sign Raphinha, with Liverpool and Manchester City also interested.
It is not the first time Raphinha has been linked with a return…
Of course, Barcelona beat Arsenal and Chelsea to the signature of Raphinha. Deco actually confirmed that Arsenal and Chelsea were offering more money for Raphinha, but the winger’s heart was set on Barca.
Earlier this year, before Raphinha turned into a world-beater, Tottenham tabled a £60m fee for Raphinha. He has even said he almost joined Manchester United from Leeds before joining Barcelona in 2022.
So, it looks as if Raphinha could end up back in the Premier League but his value is rapidly rising and only the cream of the crop will be able to afford the Leeds hero next month, or more likely, next summer.
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