Leeds United are still owed £32.6 million from Barcelona for the sale of Brazilian star Raphinha, with £20 million said to be due soon, according to Spanish outlet ARA.
Raphinha was arguably Leeds’ most high-profile signing at the start of the 2020/21 season after Marcelo Bielsa guided the Peacocks to promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in almost two decades.
As per The Independent, Leeds United paid £17 million to Rennes for the tricky winger who thrilled the Elland Road faithful during his two seasons with the club, scoring 17 goals and registering 12 assists in the Premier League before his big-money move to Barcelona.
La Blaugrana, going through a difficult financial period, agreed to sign the Brazil international for a fee worth up to £55 million. However, the Catalan club were unable to hand Leeds the full amount in one go.
ARA (via the Yorkshire Evening Post) are reporting that Barcelona still owe £32.6 million of Raphinha’s £55 million transfer fee and that £20 million must be paid to Leeds very soon since the Yorkshire club have ‘factored its right to collect [the money] through a financial institution.’
This money could come at an excellent time with the January transfer window fast approaching as Daniel Farke may be hoping to strengthen his squad in an attempt to push for promotion in the latter half of the campaign.
In total, Barcelona are said to have outstanding transfer debts of £172.5 million that need to be paid to the likes of Leeds, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Writer’s View
Barcelona’s monetary issues have been well-documented in recent years but it’s incredible to think that the La Liga champions still owe over half of Raphinha’s transfer fee despite the player moving to the Camp Nou almost eighteen months ago.
Nevertheless, the money will be coming at a good time for Leeds with the winter window coming up on the horizon.