“The president expresses regret over the decision to sell the player to Leeds United at a low price.” And will not do same mistake for the star player ongoing deal
President Vows No Repeat of Leeds Bargain After Regretting Cut-Price Sale
Barcelona’s resurgent form this season has been spearheaded by several standout performers, but one forward has been especially instrumental in their attacking resurgence. Under new manager Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants have found fresh momentum, with their attacking line finally clicking after seasons of inconsistency.
Barcelona’s push for silverware has seen them dominate in both domestic and European competitions. Their attacking prowess has been driven by dynamic individual performances and a renewed tactical identity under Flick’s leadership. While their Champions League journey came to a halt after a defeat to Inter Milan at the San Siro, attention quickly shifted to one key player whose transformation has caught the eye of the European football community.
Raphinha, who left Leeds United for Barcelona in July 2022, has emerged as one of the standout stars of the 2024/25 season. In 53 appearances across all competitions, he has racked up a remarkable 32 goals and 25 assists, playing a central role in Barca’s attacking setup. After an inconsistent start to life in Spain, the Brazilian international is now realizing his full potential—ironically, something that was predicted long ago by one of his former executives.
Olivier Létang, current president of Lille and former president of Stade Rennais, spoke candidly this week about the circumstances surrounding Raphinha’s controversial departure from the French club in 2020. Speaking to Eurosport France ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final clash, Létang revealed previously untold details about the Brazilian’s transfer to Leeds United.
“The version is very clear. He wanted to stay at Rennes and play in the Champions League. He was pushed out,” Létang explained. “I remember the day he called me, in shock, saying: ‘My president, they want me to leave.’ He was very, very disappointed. But once he understood what was going on behind the scenes, he no longer wanted to play for certain people.”
Raphinha had made an immediate impact in Ligue 1 after joining from Sporting CP in 2019, contributing eight goals and seven assists in his debut campaign. But by the summer of 2020—just months after Létang was dismissed from his role at Rennes—he was sold to Leeds United for €17 million excluding bonuses, a fee that now looks like a steal.
Reflecting on the player’s trajectory and current form at Barcelona, Létang expressed regret over the transfer, while offering a firm message about future transfer policy: “I’m convinced he would have had a fantastic second season with Stade Rennais if he had stayed,” he said. “Based on his career and mentality, that’s obvious.”
Determined not to let history repeat itself, Létang issued a strong declaration: “President vows no repeat of Leeds bargain after regretting cut-price sale.” His comments serve as both a tribute to Raphinha’s development and a warning to clubs about undervaluing rising talent. Going forward, the Lille president is committed to ensuring that no promising player leaves his club without a valuation that reflects their true potential.
As Raphinha continues to thrive at the highest level, his story serves as a reminder of how talent, when nurtured properly and given the right platform, can flourish—and of how letting it go too soon can leave a lasting sting.