Victor Orta: Marquee Leeds signing had five clubs to choose from before Whites switch
Leeds United winger Raphinha had five clubs to choose from this summer before sealing his switch to Elland Road.
That’s according to Victor Orta, who has been tracking the Brazilian winger for a number of years before getting his man last week.
Raphinha completed the switch from Rennes for £17million-plus add ons and has trained at Thorp Arch over the international break.
Orta commented on the move on Tuesday, claiming that Leeds had to move as quickly as possible to secure his services.
“Our aim was to react as soon as possible because, obviously, other teams were trying to target this winger,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
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“His club signed a young player from Anderlecht and decided to prioritise this investment. Raphinha had four or five teams to choose from after a really good season and decided on Leeds and the Premier League.”
Raphinha helped Rennes to secure Champions League football last season, so it seemed strange when the French club informed him he could leave if he liked.
The squad at Rennes begged the winger to stay after his final game for the club, although he wanted to make the switch to the Premier League.
When a player of Raphinha’s quality becomes available, it’s no surprise that a race ensues, and Leeds were the lucky side to win that race.
It was the perfect time to win the race too, with Raphinha now having two weeks of training under Marcelo Bielsa during the international break – something which should see him hit the ground running against Wolves if utilised.
In other Leeds United news, Kalvin Phillips drops England selection hint v Denmark
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