On April 22nd, Mundo Deportivo explained Newcastle United have identified Barcelona’s Raphinha as a target and would ‘spare no expense’ to get a deal over the line in the next window.
The Magpies have taken further steps to sign the 26-year-old, if the latest claim from journalist Gerard Romero, relayed by Sport, is to be believed.
He states Newcastle would have ‘already verbally communicated’ to the La Liga side that they would offer €80m for Raphinha.
Barcelona don’t see the Brazil international as a sale candidate but an offer in the region of €80m could change their minds.
The winger spent two seasons at Leeds United before arriving at the Camp Nou last summer. He has 10 goals and 11 assists from 45 matches this season.
Raphinha’s form has caught the attention of Newcastle, who have made it a ‘priority’ to sign him in the summer. His experience in England and Spain would allow him to be ‘one of the stars of the project’ at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side, who are currently third in the table, are in firm contention to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Newcastle have to prepare a squad strong enough to compete in Europe and the addition of Raphinha would help them in that regard.
That said, despite Romero claiming Barcelona don’t see the player as someone they want to sell, other recent reports from the Catalan media have suggested otherwise. That €80m figure sounds very beneficial for Barca, and feels a little over the top… meaning this could all be transfer PR for, or from, the Blaugrana.
