Newcastle United have now identified Barcelona star Raphinha as one of their top transfer targets. Boss Eddie Howe is determined to improve his offensive options over the summer.
That is according to Sport, which reports Newcastle believe Raphinha can take Howe’s side to another level. He only joined Barcelona last summer but the Toon are hopeful of getting him back in the Premier League. The forward has not been a resounding success in La Liga.
Xavi has regularly chosen Ousmane Dembele ahead of Raphinha since the Brazilian arrived at Camp Nou. The Blaugrana paid Leeds United £49m, rising to £55m after add-ons, for the 26-year-old in July. He also signed a five-year contract worth £199k-a-week to go to Spain.
Dembele suffering an injury at the turn of the year offered Raphinha a chance to prove his worth to Xavi. The 16-cap international would also provide a reasonable impact in place of the Frenchman. But he also clashed with Xavi after being substituted in the Europa League.
Xavi frustrated Raphinha when he replaced the Brazilian against Manchester United in the knockout round play-off first-leg. The former Whites star had been one of the Blaugrana’s best players in the tie. He registered one goal and an assist as they drew 2-2 at Camp Nou.
Newcastle will now target Raphinha’s transfer from Barcelona this summer
Raphinha has offered seven goals and nine assists across his 34 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions so far. He also showed his attacking prowess whilst in England with Leeds. The winger left Elland Road after 17 goals and 12 assists over 67 games at the club.
He penned his entire Whites haul over 65 Premier League fixtures after joining from Stade Rennais in October 2020 for £17m, rising to £20m. Now, Raphinha’s efforts in England and for Barcelona have Newcastle plotting a course for his transfer among Howe’s top targets.
But Newcastle may have to rival fellow Premier League teams for Raphinha’s transfer from Barcelona. Sport also reported recently that the Blaugrana rejected a €70m (£62m) offer from Arsenal in January. Camp Nou chiefs refused to consider letting him leave so quickly.
Raphinha’s willingness to sacrifice himself defensively and his tactical discipline has further impressed Xavi. While the Blaugrana legend was full of praise for the attacker in February.
“I’m the one who has trusted him the most,” Xavi declared, via Fabrizio Romano. “He’s the player with the most assists of the team.
“He scores [and] in the one-vs-one, he’s daring more – he’s extraordinary. When there was criticism, I had no doubt that Raphinha was going to succeed here.”
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