Barcelona are willing to accept €80 million for 26-year-old star Raphinha amid growing interest from Newcastle United.
According to Record via Sport Witness, Newcastle United can sign Raphinha for €80 million, with Barcelona open to selling him. The Blaugrana might not accept bids below that figure, with current agent Deco likely to play a part in the transfer.
There’s plenty going on in Barcelona concerning their finances and new appointments in the background. The club are in a dire economic situation. They must raise massive funds and cull their current wage bill to levels allowing them to conduct business in the transfer market.
Barcelona could sell some of their prized assets like Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres and Raphinha to make up the difference. Meanwhile, they ponder appointing Deco instead of Jordi Cryuff, who vacates his sporting director role.
Barcelona do not want Deco to continue representing players if he is to take up the backroom role. With Raphinha being one of his biggest clients, he might ponder pushing the 26-year-old star towards a return to the Premier League. There’s plenty of interest coming from England.
A host of clubs are keen on the 26-year-old star, who has spent only one season in Spain. Barcelona are open to doing business if clubs can cough up €80 million for Raphinha in the next window. That price point seems reasonable considering the Brazilian’s progress and how much he cost the Catalans.
Newcastle United have already enquired about the 26-year-old star, with Eddie Howe keen to add the attacker to his squad ahead of the new season, where the Magpies could play in the Champions League. The manager wants a squad of quality stars, with the Brazilian one of his primary targets.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping tabs, but the Magpies might come across as favourites. Raphinha would ideally prefer to stay put. However, Barceona’s current situation might force the Brazilian to move out and help the club with their financial woes. Deco wants to finalise a deal before taking up the Barcelona role. Hence, he might push Barcelona and Newcastle to agree and finalise a move for the 26-year-old star as early as possible.