The INSANE Raphinha transfer that Rio Ferdinand doesn't know about

Robin Bairner

• 1 May 2025 05:45 CDT
• 4 min read

Analysis

Rio Ferdinand caused general astonishment on Wednesday over comments he made about Barcelona star Raphinha as the Blaugrana played out a thrilling 3-3 Champions League draw with Inter.

Raphinha, as so often has been the case this season, played a key role for the Catalan outfit, rattling a terrific shot off the bar that found its way into the net via the back of Nerazzurri goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

The Brazilian might have been pushed into the shadows to some extent by the excellence of Lamine Yamal, yet it was another eye-catching display from a man who has become a surprise Ballon d’Or candidate this season.

Current ETV

Raphinha

F, M (L), AM (R)

Barcelona

Raphinha

F, M (L), AM (R)

Barcelona

€77.1M

ETV Range

€69.4M - €84.8M

View full profile

In the aftermath of his terrific shot, Ferdinand commented: “Makes you wonder why he was ever allowed to leave the Premier League, Raphinha.”

There was interest. Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea were all linked with the player, who was at relegated Leeds United.

But the Premier League big guns failing to land the Brazil international – who had made it clear his dream transfer was to Barcelona in the first place – is far from the worst transfer decision made in the career of the 28-year-old.

Step forward Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, who made the shrewd move to sign Raphinha from Sporting CP for €21 million in September 2019.

After a slow start in Ligue 1, he showed some promise, finishing the Covid-interrupted campaign with seven goals and five assists across 26 domestic matches. Still a young, developing player at that point, it was a strong introduction.

But at the end of the season, Rennes took a radical decision.

Doku in, Raphinha out

With a young Belgian winger named Jeremy Doku available, they elected to sell Raphinha to Leeds United, remarkably taking a loss on him as they did so.

In return, they spent €26m signing the 18-year-old Anderlecht youngster, going all in on the youngster, with the owners of the club pouring their own money into the deal.

“Jeremy Doku is on the radars of all the biggest clubs,” president Nicolas Holvek said. “Rennes are today capable of competing in this category.”

It proved little more than a hollow flex. Doku spent much of his time in France injured or showing the frustrating inconsistency that has since dogged him at Manchester City.

Raphinha, on the other hand, has become a Ballon d’Or candidate. Not that the winger holds a grudge.

“Everyone I met in France tried to help me as much as possible to adapt, even though I didn't speak the language at all and that made things a bit more complicated,” he told France Football earlier this year.

“I'm very grateful to have been able to wear this jersey and to have helped the team play in the Champions League for the first time in its history. Rennes remains special to me, I continue to follow the team.”

To allow Raphinha to leave at a loss was never a deal that made sense and is a far more questionable transfer decision than the Premier League big guns failing to land him from Leeds three years ago.