The Albany Gazette - Leeds saviour Raphinha set to join Barcelona

The 25-year-old will cost the Catalans a reported 55 million euros ($55.3million) -- with a potential 15 million euros in add-ons -- and sign a five year contract.

"Barcelona and Leeds United Football Club have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Raphael Dias Belloli, Raphinha, pending the player passing his medical," read a statement on the Barcelona website.

Barcelona said they were buying: "a winger who is excellent in one on ones, taking on defenders being a key part of his game."

Raphinha spent two seasons at Elland Road, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists after they signed him from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes for £17 million - the French side are due a cut of the transfer fee.

Raphinha -- who had two years remaining of his contract -- became a fans favourite and earned himself a permanent place in their hearts when he scored a penalty in the 2-1 win over Brentford in their final match of last season to ensure they stayed up in the English top-flight.

Barcelona have been able to spend after easing their massive financial problems by selling 10% of their TV rights at the end of June to American company Sixth Street for 25 years at a cost of around 207.5 million euros.

Raphinha -- capped nine times -- is Barca's third signing of the close season following Ivory Coast defender Franck Kessie from AC Milan and Denmark central defender Andreas Christensen from Chelsea.

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(Y.Berger--BBZ)