Belloli RAPHINHA

Stade Rennais were looking for someone to replace Ismaïla Sarr (transferred to Watford) on the wings, and decided on recruiting Raphinha on 2nd September 2019, last day of the Summer transfer window. The Brazilian winger arrived from Sporting Lisbon for 22 Million Euros, despite prestigious competition for this signature from Fiorentina and FC Sevilla. He thus became the club’s most expensive signing, ahead of Severino Lucas in 2000. After a difficult start to his career at Rennes, he was given the opportunity to score his first goal for the club from the penalty spot against Amiens, courtesy of a generous gesture by M'Baye Niang. That penalty finally provided Raphinha with the launchpad to kick-start his career at Rennes, which reached in pinnacle in the tumultuous duel with Nantes on 31st January 2020, where the Brazilian took advantage of two rebounds off goalkeeper Alban Lafont to find his place in derby folklore, scoring twice, including the winner, finally awarded after consultation by VAR in the 98th minute. Talented, but somewhat inconsistent, he was seen as one of the key players in attack as Rennes prepared for its first-ever Champions League campaign in October 2020. However, on the last day of the transfer window, he turned down the chance to play for Rennes in the Champions League for a chance to play in the Premier League under Manager Marcelo Bielsa. After a stunning farewell apperance, including a goal, against Reims, je signed on the following day, Monday 5th October, for Leeds in a deal worth 18.7 Million Euros with almost 7 Million Euros in bonuses, which were easily achievable.