Barcelona sign Brazilian winger Raphinha from Leeds United

In July 2022, Barcelona agreed a deal with Leeds United for Raphinha, the Brazilian winger who had become one of the Premier League's most eye-catching attackers during two seasons at Elland Road.

The move followed weeks of uncertainty. Chelsea had reached an agreement with Leeds earlier in the summer, but Raphinha made clear that his preference was to join Barcelona. The Catalan club, working under financial constraints, had to arrange its finances before it could register new players, which prolonged the negotiations.

The signing was an early part of Barcelona's major rebuilding of its squad that summer, when it also brought in Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé and Franck Kessié. For Raphinha, it meant a move to a club he had long admired, and the club hoped his pace, work rate and goal contributions would add width and creativity to the attack. His arrival began the spell that later led to the contract renewal now in the news.