Chelsea will have a second chance to sign Raphinha, unless he turns into a magician for Barcelona between now and the end of the season.
That’s according to Catalan newspaper Sport, with the Brazilian once again the target of doubts from Barcelona’s local media and some within the club. Whenever it’s time to start passing blame around, Raphinha is always a likely candidate.
Barcelona fought to sign the attacker from Leeds United, after great performances in the Premier League had attracted widespread interest.
Sport state Chelsea had offered more for the signing, with claims at the time saying that involved a higher transfer fee for Leeds United and a better salary for the player, but the Catalan line is Raphinha rejected everyone else because he wanted Barca.
As part of the report, Sport state ‘everything will open’ in the summer for a transfer. Should Raphinha not turn into peak Lionel Messi then it’s likely offers will be considered, although there’s no valuation put on the player as yet.
Barcelona may initially seek more than what they paid Leeds United, although that could be a struggle.
As well as Chelsea, Newcastle United have been credited with interest.
