Last month, Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo reported that Newcastle United looked set to launch a summer bid for Raphinha.
Less than two weeks later, some big claims have emerged from journalist Gerard Romero; a Catalan reporter who covers all things Barcelona.
This morning, Romero has announced that a ‘verbal proposal’ has arrived from Newcastle for the Brazilian winger, stating that we’re prepared to pay £70m to secure his signature.
I have little doubt that we are interested in Raphinha – he ticks so many boxes and Fabrizio Romano insisted he was a key target and ‘dream’ signing before he left Leeds for Barca. However, I’m struggling to believe the figures mentioned here.
The 26-year-old arrived at the Nou Camp for £55m last summer. His stock hasn’t exactly fallen since then, as his 10 goals and 11 assists have helped guide Barcelona towards another La Liga title, but he’s made his frustrations public at being played out of position and has spent long periods of the season out of Xavi’s XI. Not only that, Barca’s financial troubles are well documented, with FFP breaches meaning they must trim the wage bill significantly and raise funds through player sales over the coming months.
To me, talk of such a huge opening offer (the opposite approach to our successful moves for Bruno, Botman and Isak) feels like early PR on behalf of Barcelona to create a bidding war and push up the price. People know our owners aren’t short on cash and that’s exactly what Barca need escape their financial struggles.
He could be the perfect, low-risk signing. He’s Premier League proven, adds to the Brazilian contingent, has bags of ability, works hard and could cause havoc combining with Kieran Trippier, I just don’t see us paying £70m.
One to watch this summer, even if today’s big claims from Spain should be taken with a pinch of salt for now.
