“Worth more than Raphinha, Summerville, Rutter and Archie Gray” Leeds United most expensive GEM already making BUZZ at New Club Player now most valuable asset to have Played on Elland Road green pasture.
Leeds’ 2-1 victory over Watford was somewhat fortunate, as Hornets’ goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann gifted the Whites both goals. However, the win should have been comfortable regardless of the errors, with Daniel Farke’s side recording an impressive 24 shots in total.
As they push for promotion back to the Premier League, Leeds know they’ll need to bolster their squad with players capable of handling the demands of top-flight football. There’s always the hope they can find another star like Raphinha, who dazzled in Leeds colors before becoming a standout performer at Barcelona.
Raphinha’s time since leaving Leeds
Leeds fans might still find it hard to believe they once had the Brazilian winger in their squad. During his time at the club, Raphinha contributed 17 goals and 12 assists, before moving to Barcelona, where he’s now thriving. This season alone, he has racked up nine goals and eight assists in 13 games, including a stunning hat-trick in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.
Despite his success in Spain, there’s another former Leeds player whose value has surpassed Raphinha’s – Ben White.
Ben White’s rise
While Raphinha has reached new heights at Barcelona, Ben White, who played a crucial role in Leeds’ 2019/20 promotion campaign under Marcelo Bielsa, is now worth more. White’s value at the time was around £3.6m, but his impressive performances attracted Arsenal, who paid £50m to sign him in 2021. Since then, White has made 142 appearances for the Gunners, contributing six goals and ten assists.
Today, White’s value stands at £44m according to Football Transfers, a sharp increase from his Leeds days and higher than Raphinha’s current value of £32m. However, Raphinha’s worth is likely to rise if he continues his stellar form for Barcelona.
Looking ahead
Leeds will be hoping to uncover their next Raphinha or Ben White as they aim for a return to the Premier League. Largie Ramazani, who has already scored three goals in the Championship, could be a potential star in the making. If Farke’s men do earn promotion, there might even be a chance for a reunion with Ben White, should Arsenal’s defender cross paths with his former club once again in the top flight.