Barcelona will not entertain offers for 26-year-old Brazilian international Raphinha amid interest from Newcastle United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Raphinha is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on signing the 26-year-old in the summer transfer window. But Barcelona will not cash in on the former Leeds United talisman unless they receive an astronomical bid.
Raphinha endured a hit-and-miss season after joining Barcelona from Leeds United last summer. The Brazilian international was a popular figure in the transfer market following an excellent 2021/22 campaign at Elland Road. But he had to bide his time before becoming a pivotal figure for Barcelona.
The 26-year-old had his struggles midway through the campaign but picked up form in the second half of the 2022/23 season. And he ended the season with a tally of ten goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances. But Raphinha’s stock and valuation remain high, with Newcastle United among his prospective suitors.
Barcelona considered cashing in on the player when they pursued Lionel Messi. But the former captain has decided to join Inter Miami when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this month. So parting ways with the ex-Leeds United talisman does not make much sense now.
While the Catalan giants still need to raise money before completing new signings, cashing in on Raphinha, one of their best players, will not be prudent. Nonetheless, Newcastle United will still attempt to secure his services in the summer transfer window. And the eagerness to sign the Brazilian international is hardly surprising.
The 26-year-old will be an upgrade on Eddie Howe’s current wide-attacking options. So he is a viable target for Newcastle United heading into the summer transfer window. But with Barcelona deciding not to sell him, the Magpies need to table an eye-watering bid to convince the Blaugrana.
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Meanwhile, the player does not want to leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window. And unless Newcastle United shell out a big sum to secure Raphinha’s services, a deal will not see the light of day. It will be interesting to see where the 26-year-old plies his trade next season.
