Financially-troubled Barcelona have completed the signing of Brazil international Raphinha from Leeds United.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the two clubs had reached a £55 million agreement in principle for the 25-year-old Brazil forward.
The Athletic understands contracts between the two clubs have now been signed off ahead of Raphinha’s Barcelona unveiling on Friday afternoon.
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Barcelona announced a schedule for Raphinha’s presentation on Friday morning.
The Spanish club said Raphinha would sign his new contract “in the offices at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper” at 12.30 BST, before a “public signing” on the Tito Vilanova pitch at 13.00.
They also announced Raphinha will give a press conference at 13.45.
There had been concerns that Barcelona would not be able to afford a move for Raphinha, but their financial situation was aided on June 30 when they announced a €267 million deal to sell 10 per cent of their La Liga TV rights for the next 25 years to US firm Sixth Street.
The Brazilian forward was also a target for Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Raphinha enjoyed two fine seasons at Leeds, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12 in 65 Premier League appearances.
He becomes Barcelona’s third signing of the window, after they secured Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen on free transfers from AC Milan and Chelsea respectively.
Leeds, meanwhile, have already moved to replace Raphinha with the signing of Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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The Raphinha transfer saga - from start to finish
