West Ham United will reportedly provide stiff competition to Barcelona in the race to sign Raphinha after initiating contact with the Brazilian’s representatives.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Raphinha is the subject of interest from West Ham United over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Hammers have initiated contact with the Leeds United forward, a target for Barcelona.
Raphinha has been a breath of fresh air in a season laden with obstacles for Leeds United. The Whites have missed some of their most important players while being mired in the relegation dogfight. But Raphinha has given it his all to ensure his team does not go down to the second tier of English football.
The 25-year-old has ten goals and three assists in 31 Premier League appearances thus far this term. But with Leeds’s fortunes dwindling, Raphinha could decide to embark on a new adventure in the summer transfer window. Such a situation has captured the attention of various clubs across Europe, including Barcelona and West Ham United.
The interest from Barcelona stems from the rampant uncertainties surrounding the future of Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman is inclined towards extending his stay at Camp Nou. But a renewal is nowhere in sight yet, prompting Barcelona to scour the market for a potential replacement.
In addition, Adama Traore looks set to return to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Barcelona unlikely to trigger the purchase option in his loan deal. Raphinha is thus a viable target for the Blaugrana, who will face stiff competition from West Ham United in the race to sign the Leeds United forward.
West Ham United had attempted to sign Raphinha late in the January transfer window, but a move did not materialise. The Hammers have continued to monitor his situation closely and are ready to launch the offensive for him in the summer. In fact, West Ham and Raphinha are already in contact over a possible transfer.
But recent reports have claimed that Raphinha will prioritise joining Barcelona over any other club in the summer transfer window, leaving West Ham with an uphill task in his pursuit. At the same time, it will be interesting to see how much a suitor has to pay to sign him, as a €25 million release clause will come into effect if Leeds United cannot avoid the drop.
