Leeds could land their best winger since Raphinha by signing £25m “machine”
Leeds United Face Major Premier League Challenge – Could Daizen Maeda Be Their Next Raphinha?
Leeds United are preparing for a demanding return to the Premier League after clinching the Championship title.
But history presents a tough reality: the last six teams promoted from the second tier were all relegated in their first season back in the top flight.
Despite that daunting precedent, Leeds have proven before that survival—and even success—is possible.
In their 2020/21 return to the Premier League, Marcelo Bielsa guided the team to a top-half finish, thanks in large part to smart recruitment led by then-director Victor Orta.
One standout from that transfer window was the signing of Raphinha from Rennes for around £17 million plus add-ons.
The Brazilian winger made an instant impact and quickly became a crucial figure in Leeds’ attack.
Raphinha: A Game-Changer for Leeds
Coming into the Premier League, Leeds needed flair and cutting edge up front, and Raphinha delivered from the right wing.
In his first season, he combined goals and big chances created to great effect, contributing heavily in 30 appearances.
His influence only grew. In the 2021/22 season, he scored 11 goals and created 10 big chances in 35 league games, helping Leeds avoid relegation under Jesse Marsch.
However, his performances drew interest across Europe, and he eventually joined Barcelona in a £55 million move in the summer of 2022.
Since then, Raphinha has shone in Spain, racking up 34 goals and 25 assists in 56 appearances in a single season—a remarkable return that highlights the quality Leeds lost.
Struggles to Replace Raphinha
Leeds haven’t found a consistent attacking threat on the wing since Raphinha’s departure.
The club was relegated from the Premier League in the season following his exit, and none of their wingers managed more than five goals or seven assists that campaign.
Dan James and Manor Solomon hit double digits in goals and assists, respectively, but doubts remain about their ability to deliver at Premier League level.
Meanwhile, Crysencio Summerville, who left for West Ham last summer, managed just one goal and one assist in 19 appearances—a clear indication of his struggles to step up.
Could Daizen Maeda Be the Answer?
Now, Leeds are reportedly eyeing Celtic star Daizen Maeda, valued at around £25 million, as a potential solution.
Maeda has just wrapped up an outstanding season, scoring 33 goals and adding 12 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions for the Scottish champions.
By comparison, Raphinha only outscored him by a single goal for Barcelona this season. Maeda’s output also far exceeds that of any Leeds winger since 2020.
Brendan Rodgers has hailed Maeda as an “amazing role model,” and his ability to deliver consistently in front of goal makes him a compelling prospect.
While some may question how the Scottish Premiership compares to the Premier League, Maeda has proven himself on the European stage as well.
In the Champions League, he netted four goals in nine games—including strikes against European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund—outperforming his expected goals (xG) in the process.
Described by coaches as a “machine,” the Japanese international has shown he can rise to the occasion against top-tier opponents, suggesting he has the tools to succeed in England’s top flight.
Conclusion
Leeds United haven’t had a winger of Raphinha’s calibre since his exit—but Daizen Maeda could finally be the player to fill that void.
With elite-level performances, Champions League experience, and outstanding statistics, a £25 million move for the Celtic star could be a game-changing signing for Daniel Farke’s side as they aim to stay in the Premier League.
