Barcelona are reportedly keeping tabs on the progress of 24-year-old Brazilian attacker Raphinha over a potential future move.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Barcelona’s search for a candidate to bolster their attacking unit has taken them to the Premier League. The Catalan giants have set their sights on 24-year-old Leeds United attacker Raphinha over a move in a future transfer window.
Raphinha joined Leeds United from Stade Rennais in the summer of 2020 following a productive year at the French club. And the move to the Premier League has worked out well for the Brazilian winger, who has been a bright spark for the Whites right from the get-go.
After a solid maiden campaign in 2020/21, the 24-year-old has been one of the rare consistent performers for Leeds at the onset of this season, with three goals in six appearances so far. His progress has invariably piqued the interest of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Barcelona the latest club to have emerged in his pursuit.
Barcelona appear to be in the market for a wide attacking reinforcement despite making as many as three additions to the attacking unit. However, upon closer look, it becomes clear why the Catalan giants wish to sign a winger at the earliest possible opportunity.
Apart from new arrival Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele are the only other natural wide attackers at Ronald Koeman’s disposal, with Yusuf Demir now coming up the ranks after initially being assigned to Barcelona B. However, Dembele’s fitness woes mean Barcelona are constantly shortchanged in the attacking department.
As a result, the Blaugrana have been considering the possibility of signing a winger, with the likes of Antony, Lorenzo Insigne and Ferran Torres among the players on their radar. And now, Raphinha is being closely monitored as well, with the 24-year-old impressing to no end.
Indeed, Raphinha made his mark for Leeds in their defeat to West Ham United this past weekend, in a result that meant the Whites are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season. What now remains to be seen is if Barcelona firm up their interest in the 24-year-old Brazilian attacker or if they choose to sign someone else to reinforce their attack.
