Cash-rich Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Raphinha and would be prepared to splash the cash on his transfer in the summer.
This report comes from reliable Spanish journalist Gerard Romero on Jijantes FC, claiming that Newcastle United have sent in a verbal proposal in the region of €80 million to tempt Raphinha away from Barcelona.
Recent reports have suggested Raphinha has emerged as a top target for Newcastle after they missed out on a deal last summer. The 26-year-old rejected an offer from Newcastle 12 months ago when Barcelona came knocking, opting to join the Blaugrana in a deal worth €65 million, including add-ons from Leeds United. After a slow start to life in Catalonia, the winger has gotten going in the second half of the campaign.
The 26-year-old, while not Barcelona’s first-choice right-winger, has performed admirably on both flanks and has racked up a tally of ten goals and 11 assists in all competitions in his debut season. Ousmane Dembele holds the status as Xavi’s preference on the right flank. But the Frenchman has missed three months with an injury.
While Xavi is understood to value the Brazilian international, there remains a degree of uncertainty over his future. First, Raphinha’s place in the team could be jeopardised if and when Barcelona sign Lionel Messi next season, given both players like to play on the right side of the pitch.
Second, the Catalan club are now looking to balance their books this summer. So the winger could be sacrificed. Barcelona are reportedly in desperate need of ‘making an important sale’ to raise significant funds. Newcastle are showing strong interest in signing Raphinha and are also willing to pay a hefty price to land him this summer.
Newcastle are on course for a historic season. The Magpies have been a force to be reckoned with, losing just two of their 33 games. They are third in the table, nine points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, with a game in hand. Thus, they are very likely to secure Champions League qualification for the next season.
It is fair to say they have performed above expectations this term. However, Eddie Howe must beef up his squad with quality this summer to compete with the big boys and cope with the rigours that come along with playing in Europe’s elite competition.
Raphinha must be on the minds of Howe and co., as while he would not come cheap, the move would be considered very low-risk with potentially very high rewards, having already starred in the Premier League previously. But it is unclear if €80 million will be enough to land the Barcelona star.
This season, Howe has used Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy as right-sided wingers. But Raphinha would add more pace and flair in the wide areas. And having previously played in Marcelo Bielsa’s system, he must be used to the high-pressing system that the former Bournemouth boss utilises at Newcastle.
Furthermore, the Magpies have an ambitious project with the much-loved Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, who may help him settle in swiftly. Therefore, Raphinha could be optimistic about his chances of challenging for major honours if he were to make the move to Tyneside.
