Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed he ‘felt ashamed’ after selling midfielder Raphinha to because he agreed a deal with .
had hoped to bring the 26-year-old Brazil international to Stamford Bridge this summer .
But Raphinha was not keen on a switch to west and was determined to sign for the La Liga giants, leading Leeds owner Radrizzani to feel ‘ashamed’ to have let down new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.
The relationship between Chelsea and Barcelona hit rock bottom this summer with both clubs battling for the same players in the transfer window.
Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde before Barcelona swooped in to steal the player from under ’s nose.
The Catalan club .
Chelsea responded by handing Cesar Azpilicueta a new deal, with the captain signing on for two more years.
Speaking about the Raphinha transfer saga, Leeds owner Radrizzani told : ‘For me it was done with Chelsea.
‘I felt ashamed to go back to Todd Boehly and change the position.
‘I didn’t have a choice because it was more important to buy six players than keep Raphinha.’
Raphinha developed into one of Leeds’ most important players following his £17m move from Rennes in 2020, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists in 65 appearances and helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League last season.
He was also linked with a move to Arsenal, .
Raphinha has impressed in pre-season for Barcelona and scored the winning goal in a friendly victory over rivals Real Madrid on July 24.
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