Leeds United striker Raphinha will join Barcelona after the two clubs have reached an agreement.
The move for the 25-year-old Brazilian playmaker is reportedly worth an initial value of € 58m (£ 49m).
Both clubs announced that an “agreement in principle” had been reached, pending a medical examination by the player.
In two seasons with Elland Road, Raphina played 65 Premier League games, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists.
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch had previously confirmed that the player would be leaving. “I hope he finalizes this deal because I know his dream is to play for Barcelona,” Marsch said during the club’s Australian tour.
The player looked set for a move to Chelsea before Barcelona showed interest in him.
Premier League sides Arsenal and Spurs were also keen on the former Rennes player, but his favorite choice has always been the Catalan club.
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Marsch said the cash for Raphinha and the sale of midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City “allows us to take the club to the next steps we need to take moving forward”.
It is understood that Raphina’s move to the Nou Camp could potentially reach €65m (£54.7m) with surcharges. Raphinha moved from French Rennes to Leeds in 2020 for £ 17 million and still has a two-year contract with Elland Road. The French club is believed to owe a sales commission based on the profit made by Leeds.
Marsch ditched Raphinha from the Whites tour group for a three-game tour of Australia in hopes that his future would be resolved soon.
However, the winger returned to train at the club’s Thorp Arch training ground with the rest of the squad.
