Newcastle United will reportedly provide stiff competition to Barcelona in the race to sign 25-year-old Brazilian international Raphinha.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Raphinha has popped up on the radar of Newcastle United over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Brazilian international will likely leave Leeds United, with Barcelona also keen on securing his services.
Raphinha has been nothing short of brilliant since joining Leeds United from Stade Rennais in October 2020. The player has been, by far, the best performer for the Whites during his stint at Elland Road, establishing himself as their talisman during a tumultuous 2021/22 campaign thus far.
The 25-year-old has amassed ten goals and three assists in 34 Premier League appearances thus far this term, with the Brazilian international directly contributing to over a quarter of Leeds’s goals. But Raphinha will likely depart from Elland Road in the summer transfer window, with Barcelona and Newcastle United hot on his trail.
The Brazilian international has been linked with Barcelona throughout 2022, and the Blaugrana will likely launch the offensive for the Leeds talisman irrespective of whether Ousmane Dembele stays at Camp Nou or leaves. Raphinha could take Adama Traore’s spot in the Barcelona squad, with the Spanish international unlikely to rejoin the Catalan club permanently.
Personal terms will not be an issue for Barcelona, but his price tag can be a sticking point, as Leeds will demand around £60 million for Raphinha if they retain their Premier League status. But if the Whites go down to the EFL Championship, the 25-year-old’s valuation will reduce significantly. Meanwhile, Barcelona will also have Newcastle United to compete with in Raphinha’s pursuit.
Newcastle United will continue their squad overhaul in the summer transfer window, and Raphinha could bolster Eddie Howe’s wide-attacking options enormously. The Brazilian international’s mazy runs will add more fluidity and dynamism to Newcastle’s attack, making him a viable target.
Newcastle United might also be able to afford to pay £60 million to sign Raphinha in the summer transfer window if Leeds United end up avoiding relegation. But Raphinha is reportedly keen on joining Barcelona, meaning Newcastle could have an uphill task to convince the 25-year-old to move to St. James’ Park instead.