Barcelona chose to sign Raphinha instead of Manc Utd's Antony

According to reports, Barcelona picked Raphinha ahead of new Manchester United signing Antony. The Catalan giants were linked with both Brazilian wingers but decided to pursue Raphinha over the former Ajax winger.

As per SPORT, Xavi and Jordi Cruyff believe Raphinha is the better option between the two. The Spanish publication also stated that Barcelona were determined to land one of the two wingers and fight any club interested in them.

Raphinha was a target for Arsenal and Chelsea, with the Gunners having a bid rejected for the winger. The Blues swooped in for the Brazilian, but despite agreeing a fee with Leeds United, could not get the transfer over the line as the winger wanted a move to Camp Nou.

Antony was a target for Manchester United, but the Red Devils were initially put off by the asking price. Ajax ended up getting the €100 million they demanded for the winger as the Old Trafford side made a late move for the Brazilian in the final days of the window.

Leeds United confirm they had a deal with Chelsea before Barcelona signed Raphinha

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has confirmed he had agreed a deal with Chelsea for the sale of Raphinha. However, the Catalan side used their influence to make the player wait in order to allow Barcelona to get their finances sorted and seal the transfer.

He told The Athletic

"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. But unfortunately, let's say Barcelona influences convinced the player to wait, to wait, to wait until they could find a solution. This shows again the power and the leverage players and their agents have in the system, which for me is exaggerated, too much. We do a lot of investment to build clubs. "

Raphinha has made a good start at Camp Nou and is playing regularly. He has scored once and assisted as many times in five appearances so far.