MOT View: Leeds reap the rewards as 23-year-old admits to feeling ‘devalued’ in summer
Leeds United winger Raphinha has admitted he felt “devalued” after his arrival at Elland Road from Rennes in October.
The Brazilian claimed that the French club would only sell him for over £50million, but the Whites managed to seal a deal for under £20million.
Raphinha has cemented his spot under Marcelo Bielsa, shining and scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory over Everton last week.
Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Raphinha admitted that he wasn’t happy with the way that Rennes handed his transfer over the summer.
“Until Saturday, at noon, I was focused on the game,” he said.
“The transfer window was closed, I knew that nothing more would happen. And I was told that Rennes would only sell me for an offer of 60million euros (£54.7m), but they sold me for 15million. I felt devalued.”
The winger has shared that he is happy at Leeds, and how he feels appreciated by all the staff and his teammates as they look to win every game they play.
Leeds have reaped the rewards of Rennes’ mismanagement.
The 23-year-old has started the past three Premier League games and has been a shining light in the clashes with Everton and Arsenal.
In those three outings, Raphinha has attempted nine shots on goal according to WyScout and has been successful with nine of his 13 dribbles.
Defensively, he hasn’t shied away from a battle either, completing eight interceptions and seven recoveries against some of the Premier League’s best.
Rennes have certainly missed out on this one, and the Whites are reaping the rewards of a team undervaluing one of their best players.
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