Since returning to the Premier League the first time around back in 2020, Leeds United have made a whole host of additions to try and make them a competitive top-division outfit.
Raphinha was just one of the additions made by the hierarchy during such a period, subsequently joining from French side Stade Rennes for a fee in the region of £17m back in 2020.
The Brazilian massively exceeded expectations during his time at Elland Road, as seen by his tally of 17 goals and 12 assists in his 67 appearances for the Whites.
His most crucial effort came on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, with his goal helping Jesse Marsch’s men secure their Premier League status for another season.
However, he was sold to Spanish giants Barcelona for a reported £55m that summer, subsequently banking a £38m profit, but at the expense of one of their best talents.
The impact of the Leeds signings made with Raphinha’s sale
Georginio Rutter may have arrived at Leeds six months after Raphinha’s departure, but the Frenchman still managed to catch the eye of the supporters at Elland Road.
He cost a reported £35m from German club Hoffenheim, but only registered one assist in his first 13 matches for the Whites, subsequently being unable to prevent the side from relegation.
However, the Championship is where the 23-year-old sprang into life, as seen by his remarkable tally of eight goals and 16 assists across all competitions.
Like Raphinha, he would depart for a mammoth sum, with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion triggering the attacker’s £40m release clause after failing to secure promotion.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was at the opposite end of the scale for the Whites, as he joined the club on a free transfer this summer following his release from Everton.
The 28-year-old has already exceeded many fans’ expectations at Elland Road, as evidenced by his remarkable tally of 10 goals in his first 23 league appearances.
The Leeds star who’s been their best signing since Raphinha
Given the recent form of the aforementioned star in the Premier League, many would suggest that he’s been one of their best signings in recent years – especially after joining on a free transfer.
His goals could well be crucial come the end of the season, with his arrival potentially the difference between the club returning to the Championship or staying in the top flight.
However, it’s too soon to say whether he’s been their best signing in recent years, with judgment needing to be held until after the end of the campaign.
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The same can’t be said for club captain Ethan Ampadu, with the Welsh international becoming a key member of the squad after joining from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
The hierarchy forked out a reported £7m to secure the signature of the 25-year-old, with such a fee now looking to be an excellent piece of business, nearly three years on.
He played a pivotal role in the Championship during the club’s ambitions of returning to the top-flight, subsequently featuring in 78 matches over the two campaigns.
His versatility has allowed him to operate in a centre-back or central midfield position, which has seen him rack up over a century of appearances under Daniel Farke.
In the Premier League this season, Ampadu has once again been an influential member of the squad, as seen by his tally of 23 starts so far this campaign.
Despite his defensive responsibilities, he’s also thrived within the final third of the pitch, even scoring his first top-flight goal during the 4-1 demolition of Crystal Palace.
His underlying stats showcase his all-round quality at the heart of the side, with Ampadu now looking a player way beyond the £7m they paid for his signature nearly three years ago.
The Welsh international has completed 86% of the passes he attempted, whilst achieving a 73% dribble success rate – which highlights his impressive ability in possession.
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Ethan Ampadu – PL stats (2025/26) |
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|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
23 |
|
Goals & assists |
2 |
|
Pass accuracy |
86% |
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Long ball accuracy |
50% |
|
Dribble success |
73% |
|
Duels won |
63% |
|
Aerials won |
1.5 |
|
Tackles made |
2.3 |
Without the ball, Ampadu has been just as impressive, subsequently making 2.3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per 90 – with the latter ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the division.
His importance to the Leeds squad simply can’t be understated, with the captain likely to play a key role alongside Calvert-Lewin in any hunt to secure top-flight survival.
The hierarchy have made some tremendous additions over recent seasons, but Ampadu’s move to Elland Road and rise through divisions has made him a bargain after his £7m transfer.
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