Robert Green has admitted he is baffled by Rennes' decision to sell Raphinha after his blistering start to life at Leeds United.
The Brazilian winger has started the Whites' last four matches after being slowly integrated into life at Elland Road by Marcelo Bielsa.
Raphinha has caught the eye since his arrival on deadline day in a late move that cost £15million from Champions League outfit Rennes.
He's slotted in on the right-hand side, replacing Helder Costa, leaving Leeds fans wondering how they were able to prize him away from Rennes.
Even Raphinha himself was surprised, who admitted earlier this month: "I was focused on playing in the Champions League at Rennes.
"But, knowing that, out of the blue, they accepted an offer from Leeds, for an amount even less than the purchase, that made me feel devalued," he told ESPN Brasil.
“I played on Sunday and, after the match, they put the whole responsibility on me, on leaving.
“Until Saturday, at noon, I was focused on the game. The transfer window was closed, I knew that nothing more would happen.
"I was told that Rennes would only sell me for an offer of 60 million euros, but they sold me for 15 million. I felt devalued.”
Former Leeds men Green and Jermaine Beckford both believe Rennes made a strange decision to sell the winger, who at 23, still has his best years ahead of him.
“It was a strange move from Rennes. Rennes were seemingly keen to move him on," Green said.
" It’s down to Raphinha, Harrison and Klich - the movement they make allows Kalvin Phillips the time, it gives him the space to play his football and to pick the passes. Raphinha is certainly one of the targets.”
Beckford added: “He’s so much quicker than I thought he was. He opened up his legs, went for a run down the channel. It was just electric pace.
"That’s something Leeds - especially with the way they play - he’s perfectly suited to them.”
