Ten players Leeds United could sign as ‘new Raphinha’ to ensure Premier League survival

From Raphinha to Rising Stars: 10 Potential Game-Changers for Newly-Promoted Premier League Sides

When Raphinha arrived at Leeds United, it didn’t take long for him to rise above the rest. The Brazilian winger became a standout figure under Marcelo Bielsa and later Jesse Marsch, dazzling fans with his flair, vision, and determination. His performances were so influential that, under Marsch, he practically carried Leeds to Premier League safety during the 2021/22 season.

Following that near miss with relegation, a big-money exit seemed inevitable — and sure enough, Raphinha sealed a high-profile transfer to FC Barcelona. The transition to Spanish football wasn’t seamless, but by 2024, Raphinha had transformed into one of the most electric attacking talents in Europe, silencing early doubters and cementing his place among the elite.

Now, as promoted teams prepare for the brutal reality of Premier League survival, the recent trend is ominous. The last six promoted sides have all suffered immediate relegation. If clubs like Leeds United, Burnley, Sheffield United, or possibly Sunderland want to avoid that same fate, they’ll need something special — perhaps their own version of Raphinha. That is, a player who is clearly a cut above the rest, capable of moments of magic that can make the difference between staying up and going down.

With that in mind, here are 10 exciting, ambitious — and in some cases, slightly outrageous — suggestions for signings who could provide that spark. While the list leans toward Leeds given their stature and pulling power, these players could represent game-changing additions for any newly-promoted side.

1. Rayan Cherki (Lyon)

Rayan Cherki has long been touted as one of French football’s most gifted young attackers. Already linked with top Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool, it would be a major coup if Leeds could somehow win the race for his signature. But the stars may be aligning. Last summer, Fulham were reportedly close to signing him for £15 million — and this year, it’s believed he has an £18 million release clause.

For a player of Cherki’s silky touch, sharp vision, and ability to glide past defenders, that’s a bargain. Lyon are in financial trouble, which makes a deal plausible. Cherki is a left-footed creator who thrives as a No. 10 or wide forward and would bring creativity, flair, and star power to any side. With the right support and minutes, he could become not just another Raphinha — but an even better one.

2. Allan Saint-Maximin (Al Ahli / Fenerbahce)

Once the heartbeat of Newcastle’s attack, Allan Saint-Maximin has become a forgotten figure since moving to the Saudi Pro League. Currently on loan at Fenerbahce, injuries and limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho have hampered his progress — but the raw talent is still there.

Saint-Maximin remains one of the most unpredictable, entertaining dribblers in world football. His end product may still frustrate, but his ability to beat defenders and cause chaos is unmatched. A return to England could reignite his career, and Leeds could offer the perfect platform. If they can guarantee regular minutes and build their attack around him, ASM could be the kind of dazzling showman that puts bums in seats and points on the board.

3. Donyell Malen (Aston Villa)

Things haven’t gone to plan for Donyell Malen at Aston Villa. Since arriving in January, the Dutchman has found himself down the pecking order, especially after the arrival of Marcus Rashford. Two Premier League starts and no European minutes is a tough pill to swallow for a player of his pedigree.

Villa could look to cash in and recoup their £21 million investment, and if so, Leeds should be ready to pounce. Malen’s record — 130 goals in 346 games — shows his consistency and threat. He’s a direct, aggressive winger who thrives when given responsibility. As a marquee player for a newly-promoted side, Malen could flourish and restore his reputation.

4. Noa Lang (PSV)

Leeds fans may feel a sense of déjà vu here. Noa Lang was linked to the club in every transfer window during their last Premier League spell — but the move never materialised. Now starring at PSV, the Dutch winger has added end product to his already exciting game, and he may finally be ready for a Premier League adventure.

Lang brings a mixture of swagger, versatility, and goals. With PSV dominating the Eredivisie, Lang may crave a bigger challenge. Leeds remains a logical landing spot. If he’s ever going to make the leap, now feels like the right time.

5. Joao Felix (Chelsea / Atletico Madrid)

Joao Felix might seem like a stretch for a club like Leeds — but then again, so did Raphinha-to-Barça once. The Portuguese playmaker cost Atletico Madrid over £100 million and was hailed as a future Ballon d’Or winner. Since then, his career has nosedived, with underwhelming spells at Chelsea, Barcelona, and now AC Milan.

Still only 25, Felix’s stock has plummeted, but the talent hasn’t vanished. A loan move to a newly-promoted club, where he could be the undisputed star, might be the reset he needs. Wages would be a massive hurdle, but if Leeds could negotiate a smart loan with an option to buy — perhaps dependent on staying up — they could resurrect a fallen star.

6. Ansu Fati (Barcelona)

Another former Barcelona prodigy in need of a reset, Ansu Fati is a player with undeniable pedigree who has simply lost his way. Once tipped to be Messi’s heir, Fati now finds himself on the fringes — loaned to Brighton last season, where he showed flashes but failed to fully ignite.

Barcelona need to balance their books, and Fati could be available for a modest fee, reportedly as low as €5 million — a staggering fall from his peak value of €80 million. If Leeds can convince him of the project and give him regular football, Fati might finally find the rhythm that once made him the most exciting teenager in world football.

7. Nico Paz (Como)

The most speculative name on the list, Nico Paz has lit up Serie A with Como under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas. With six goals and nine assists in just 15 games, the young Argentine has become one of the breakout stars of the season.

Originally signed for a modest fee from Real Madrid, he’s now on the radar of Bayer Leverkusen and potentially a buy-back target for Los Blancos. It’s probably wishful thinking for Leeds — but in football, fortune favours the bold.

8. Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid)

At 30 years old and entering the final year of his contract, Angel Correa could be a savvy addition for any Premier League newcomer. He’s experienced, reliable, and still sharp enough to impact games at the top level.

Atletico may be open to selling now to avoid losing him for free, and Correa’s versatility — able to play across the front line — would be a huge asset. He may attract attention from Saudi clubs, but Leeds should throw their hat into the ring. He’s the kind of player who could bring calm and quality in crunch moments.

9. Viktor Tsygankov (Girona)

Viktor Tsygankov played a key role in Girona’s surprise Champions League qualification in 2023/24, but both he and the team have taken a step back this season. With fewer goals and assists in 2024/25, the Ukrainian winger’s value may be dipping — and that’s precisely when smart clubs make their move.

Capable of replicating Raphinha-like stats when in form, Tsygankov would be a shrewd acquisition for Leeds. He offers goals, width, and work rate — and could be available at a reasonable price.

10. Oscar Gloukh (RB Salzburg)

Oscar Gloukh may not be a household name yet, but the 21-year-old Israeli midfielder is quickly making a name for himself in Austria. With nine goals and five assists this season for RB Salzburg, Gloukh has shown he’s ready for a bigger stage.

Leeds would be wise to view him as a long-term project — a potential star for the future. If paired with a more experienced winger or attacker from this list, Gloukh could develop into something special while offering immediate flashes of brilliance.

Raphinha was a rare gem — but the Premier League is full of rough diamonds waiting to be discovered. If Leeds or any promoted club can identify and unlock the next one, they might just defy the odds. Whether it’s a flair player like Cherki, a redemption story like Felix, or a future star like Gloukh, the key to survival might lie in taking the right kind of risk.