According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Newcastle United have identified former Leeds and current Barcelona winger Raphinha as a priority target.
We’re expecting a busy window on Tyneside, with a right-sided winger known to be high on Eddie Howe’s wishlist after moves for Moussa Diaby and James Maddison fell flat last summer.
Despite a £67m move to the Spanish giants in the summer, the 26-year-old has struggled to really make a huge impact and could be moved on – especially with Barcelona’s financial issues.
With Barcelona struggling financially – The Mail report they are facing a transfer ban if they don’t raise £178m from player sales – an ambitious move for the 26-year-old could make sense for all parties.
He’s bagged seven goals and nine assists this season but has voiced his frustration at his lack of starts. Mix this with the growing Brazilian contingent on Tyneside, you wonder if he’d fancy a return to the Premier League should an offer come his way?
It would certainly be a sign of our intent in the window, with Raphinha offering the sort of pace, work-rate and end product we are craving.
Here’s what Fabrizio Romano had to say about the winger last summer, claiming he was a ‘dream’ signing for Newcastle prior to his £49m move to the Nou Camp:
“I can tell you one thing. Newcastle are among the clubs that could make an effort to sign Raphinha.
“They are very ambitious in the market.
“Raphinha is one of those players they dream about.“
