Barca trump rivals to land Leeds ace Raphinha

Barcelona have completed the signing of Leeds forward Raphinha in a reported £55million deal.

The 25-year-old Brazilian scored 17 goals in 67 games for the Yorkshire club in a scintillating two-year spell at Elland Road.

Despite interest from a number of Premier League outfits, Barca have won the race to land his prized signature.

The nine-cap international sealed his switch to the Camp Nou on Friday following the completion of his medical.

Raphinha had his heart set on a switch to the Catalan giants and his agent Deco, a Barca legend, was instrumental in getting the deal over the line.

On the deal, Leeds boss Jesse Marsch revealed: "I know it's his dream to play for Barcelona.

"As much as it’s really hard to lose him, you think of a young man who was pretty much guaranteed to go on a reduced fee to Barcelona if we were relegated. Then you see the performances and commitment he had to the club staying up.

"I think it would be hard for any 23 or 24-year-old person with that pressure and opportunity to perform the way he did. We are so thankful. 

"A big part for me considering moving him was that he was so committed. It made it easy for us to be connected with what his goals in life are."