Rio Ferdinand makes shock claim about Raphinha’s Leeds exit
Raphinha has gone from strength to strength since leaving Leeds United.
The Brazilian winger left Elland Road after making 67 appearances over two seasons, where he notched 17 goals and 12 assists.
The 28-year-old departed Yorkshire for a fee of £55million in 2022, leaving supporters devastated, given the fact that he was a fan favourite.
He has since starred for Barcelona in the Champions League and is currently the clear frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or award.
Ferdinand makes Raphinha Premier League claim
Raphinha continued his stunning run of form, that has seen him touted as the best player in Europe in the 3-3 draw with Inter Milan (30 April).
The ex-Whites ace was a threat throughout the contest and notched an assist for the Blaugrana’s second goal, scored by Ferran Torres before equalising with the third as his effort from range deflected off Yann Sommer for an own goal.
The performance left former Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand stunned and he questioned why he was ever allowed to depart English shores.
Speaking on TNT Sports (30 April, 21:30 pm), he said: “It makes you wonder how he was ever allowed to leave the Premier League, the heights that he has hit now. Some player.”
Could Raphinha return to the Premier League?
The former Elland Road ace has been linked with a return to the top level of English football with Manchester City and Liverpool reportedly holding an interest in his services.
However, that is unlikely considering the key part that he has played in the Catalans’ run in Europe, which sees them in with a real chance of winning the competition.
| Stats (all competitions) | Raphinha |
| Matches | 51 |
| Goals | 30 |
| Assists | 25 |
| Minutes played | 4,162 |
It would make no sense to sell a player who is in contention for the most prestigious award in football, therefore, a transfer is not a realistic option at the current moment.
Whites supporters would dream of the former Rennes man making a return to Yorkshire but that does not seem to be on the cards anytime soon, despite Daniel Farke’s side securing a Premier League berth for next season after two years away from the top-flight.
For now, Peacocks fans will likely have to watch their ex-star rip it up in La Liga and on Europe’s biggest stages for the next few years, with a return seeming to be a pipe dream rather than an actual possibility.