The Brazilian arrived at Elland Road for just £17m in October 2020, much to the distress of the fans of his former club Rennes who knew they had parted ways with a player of enormous talent.
That skill soon came to bear in LS11, and it wasn't long before Raphinha's Premier League performances - making nine assists and scoring nine in his first season - turned the heads of some of Europe's most elite clubs.
The wideman became United's most valuable player over the course of his second season in England's top flight as his creative flair and relentless endeavour helped to secure the Whites' Premier League survival.
Now, the 25-year-old has secured the move he has dreamed about since he was a child and will compete in La Liga next season - but he remains fond of Leeds.
"Life is made up of meetings and goodbyes, and the amazing times I lived in Leeds will always be in my memory," Raphinha said.
"I will never forget the club that hugged me, the club I was representing when I first went to the Brazilian national team.
"I want to thank you for all the love, trust, support and all the joys I enjoyed at Leeds United."
Here, we take a look at the 15 biggest sales made by Leeds United...
7. Jack Clarke - £10m
The Leeds United academy product was loaned back to the West Yorkshire side after his transfer to Spurs, but only made one further appearance in a Whites shirt. Photo: James Williamson
8. Jonathan Woodgate - £9m
After five years at Elland Road, Woodgate joined Newcastle United and soon become a fan favourite at St James' Park. Photo: Jonathan Woodgate
9. Fabian Delph - £8m
Following the Whites' League One play-off semi-final defeat to Millwall, United's homegrown star joined Premier League side Aston Villa. Photo: Michael Regan
10. Harry Kewell - £9m
Kewell scored 45 goals in 180 appearances for United before moving to Liverpool. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
11. Robbie Keane - £7m
The Irishman was part of the mass exodus from Elland Road as the Whites battled debt concerns in 2002. Photo: Shaun Botterill
12. Alan Smith - £7m
The Rothwell lad promised never to join his hometown side's old rivals but the threat of administration pushed Smith into an Old Trafford switch. Photo: Jamie Squire