Orta says he shocked Raphinha with question when he joined Leeds

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Victor Orta has told Radio Marca that he stunned Raphinha when he initially arrived at Leeds United by asking to invite him to the World Cup when he goes away with Brazil.

Orta has come in for a lot of criticism during his time at Elland Road. Plenty of his signings have proved to be disappointments. But there have also been some masterstrokes.

And no deal during Orta’s time at Leeds looks better than the move to sign Raphinha from Rennes in 2020. The Whites paid £17 million for the 25-year-old. And it quickly became apparent that that fee was an absolute steal.

He has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in the Premier League. And he finds himself as Leeds’ top goalscorer this season.

His form has led to speculation linking him with the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal. But it has also led to Raphinha forcing his way into the Brazil squad.

Remarkably, the winger had not made a single appearance at youth level for Selecao. But he now looks to be nailed on to take a spot in Tite’s squad for the World Cup later this year.

It would appear that Orta saw that opportunity coming from a mile away however. The Leeds director of football has suggested that he backed Raphinha for the call-up before he had even made his debut for the club.

“On August 29, I received a call that Rennes puts Raphinha on sale, at 9 in the morning, I was in the barbershop I remember perfectly and at 11 they had an offer of 15 million that we went up to 17,” he told Radio Marca.

“On the 30th, he plays, scores, takes a private flight and the 31st, he signs at Leeds. They signed Doku, the Belgian boy.

“The player walked through the door of Leeds United and I said, ‘You will invite me to the World Cup in Qatar, won’t you?’, and he was left with a foolish face, he didn’t believe it.”

Raphinha has potential to be game-changing signing for Leeds

Leeds fans have always accepted that Raphinha’s time at the club could be fairly brief. He looks to be destined for the top of the game.

And, while Leeds have lofty ambitions, it is asking a lot of the Whites to expect them to grow at the same pace.

Signing Raphinha has certainly had a massive impact on Leeds’ first two years back in the Premier League. And it could continue to be crucial long after his departure.

Leeds must hold out for a massive fee for Raphinha. With that, they can potentially improve the squad significantly.

The onus is on Orta to make sure that the money is spent wisely when the time comes.

No pressure, Victor.