How Neymar impacted Raphinha's Chelsea rejection

James Shearman

• 10 Sept 2022 17:56 BST
• 3 min read

Former Barcelona superstar Neymar had an impact on Raphinha's decision to turn Chelsea down in favour of a move to Camp Nou.

The Blues agreed a £55 million deal with Leeds for the transfer of Raphinha, but the Brazilian's head was turned once Barca entered the race.

''Rejecting an offer from Chelsea? Yes, because my dream was to wear the Barca shirt,'' he said to La Vanguardia. ''I followed them since I was young, since Ronaldinho arrived. I wanted to be a part of it.

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"This desire was stronger than any other proposal, no matter how powerful it was financially. I knew that I might have some difficulties to come and to be registered. But I was also aware of the effort the club was making.

"So I decided to trust and adapt to the economic conditions that existed. I was born in La Restinga, a very poor neighbourhood in Porto Alegre. I had a very poor childhood, so to speak.

"But my family taught me that humility and values are much more important than material things and that has saved me on many occasions."

Besides his family, one of Raphinha's key influencers was Paris Saint-Germain star and Brazil teammate Neymar.

''Yes, I talk a lot with Neymar,'' he added. ''He told me that if I came here I would not regret it. He is right.''

That acts as a double whammy to Chelsea, as Neymar himself was another one of ex-manager Thomas Tuchel's targets.

Raphinha at Leeds

Raphinha, 25, joined Leeds from Rennes ahead of the Whites' first season back in the Premier League in 2020, after gaining promotion under the watch of veteran Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa.

The winger had impressed at both Rennes and previously at Sporting but still managed to exceed all expectations in his first campaign at Elland Road, adapting effortlessly to both the demands of the Premier League and Bielsa's all-action tactics.

The 2019-20 season yielded six goals and nine assists in 30 games for the Brazilian, who proved crucial in steering Leeds to a comfortable mid-table finish.

And while the Whites struggled to repeat that feat last term, Raphinha once more stood out on an individual level as he contributed 11 goals and three assists to their quest for survival, eventually achieved on the very last day of the season.

His startling progress over the last two years has also been noticed at international level: Raphinha made his Brazil debut in August 2021 and is in the running to earn a World Cup place in a squad packed with elite attacking talent.