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Barely a year ago, newly promoted Leeds United, led by Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, captured the hearts of fans. Marcelo Bielsa's men played a brave brand of open, attacking and industrious football. The Whites were rewarded with an impressive ninth-place finish, earning 59 points while outscoring the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
Less than a year later, Bielsa is gone and Leeds are hurtling towards relegation. The Whites have a meagre 23 points from 28 games, conceding a league-worst 64 goals, including 20 last month. Everton are just a point behind Leeds despite playing three fewer games, while Burnley trail the Whites by two points and have two games in hand.
Raphinha the lone bright spark in Leeds United's forgettable campaign
Leeds have been crippled by injuries, with Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips missing 21 and 16 league games, respectively. In their absence, Brazilian winger Raphinha has been the only positive for the Whites.
The wideman is the club's leading scorer this campaign, bagging nine goals and providing two assists. His direct running, clever dribbling and delivery from set-pieces have reportedly caught the eye of England's elite clubs.
Signed from Rennais in October 2020 for over £16 million, Raphinha is expected to depart Elland Road at the end of the season. Reports claim Leeds have already turned down a club-record offer from West Ham United for Raphinha during the winter window.
On that note, here's a look at five clubs who could sign the Brazilian international this summer:
#5 West Ham United
West Ham United reportedly tried to sign the Leeds star in January, and their recent stuttering form vindicates their attempt to sign the Brazilian. The Hammers have drawn two and lost one of their last five league games but remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.
David Moyes has done wonders with wingers in London, with the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals doing well under the Scottish coach. With Andriy Yarmolenko's contract up this summer, it wouldn't be a surprise if West Ham return for Raphinha and ask him to take on the Ukrainian's No. 7 shirt.
#4 Liverpool
This year's January window saw rumours linking Liverpool with a move for a new winger. West Ham's Jarrod Bowen and Raphinha were among the names mentioned.
The Reds, who have been reluctant to spend big under the Fenway Sports Group's ownership, brought in Luis Diaz from Porto for £40.5 million. The Colombian prefers to operate on the left and should challenge Sadio Mane for minutes.
Meanwhile, there have been reports that negotiations on Mohamed Salah's contract (expiring in 2023) have not been progressing well. It would be a shock to see the Egyptian superstar leave the Reds. However, Leeds' 25-year-old Brazilian Raphinha could prove to be a potential replacement if the unthinkable happens.
This is one to keep an eye on.
#3 Manchester United
Entering this season, there were fears Manchester United perhaps had too many options out wide.
With Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood all playing on the flanks rather than through the middle, these concerns were valid. The Red Devils did, after all, also add Jadon Sancho (£76.5 million from Borussia Dortmund) to the mix.
Eight months later, Martial (loaned to Sevilla) and Greenwood (suspended) are no longer part of the picture. Rashford is woefully out of form, while Sancho, who was expected to play on the right, is regularly deployed on the left flank instead.
As things stand, the Red Devils suddenly appear short of options on the wings. Could they move for Leeds United's main man? Stranger things have happened.
#2 Bayern Munich
In December last year, reports claimed Bayern Munich had agreed a shock transfer to sign Raphinha. It turned out to be a false alarm, but it is easy to see why the Bavarians would be interested in the Leeds winger.
At the time, there were doubts about Kingsley Coman's future in Bavaria. However, the French international has signed a new contract with the Bundesliga giants. Bayern also have Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane on the wings, which means there is no pressing need to add another wideman.
However, with Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski now 32 and 33, respectively, the German side will need attacking reinforcements shortly.
#1 Chelsea
Do Chelsea really need another forward? After all, the Blues have spent nearly £300 million on Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech in the last two years.
However, apart from occasional flashes of brilliance from Ziyech and Havertz, Chelsea's forwards have largely drawn blanks. Pulisic, Werner and Ziyech all like to drift in from the flanks, where Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Marcos Alonso are already competing for places.
Nevertheless, it would not be surprising to see at least some high-profile departures from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. Players such as Pulisic are reportedly unhappy with their playing time. Moreover, off-field issues such as the potential sale of the club are not helping matters.
Chelsea's attack has appeared to lack directness at times and can be slow, laboured and ponderous. Raphinha's direct and straightforward approach could be just what Thomas Tuchel and co. could need.
