Signing Raphinha from Leeds would be an absolute dream for Newcastle United supporters. And it would be a dream for Eddie Howe.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who state that the Brazilian winger is Howe’s ‘dream signing’.
With Sven Botman set to join Matt Targett and Nick Pope as the club’s summer signings, attentions can now turn to the attack.
The Magpies are looking for a striker and a right winger before the transfer window closes, and we’ve been linked with some exciting names.
One of those is most certainly Raphinha.
Raphinha would be perfect for Newcastle
Newcastle have been linked with some incredibly talented wingers this summer. Talk of moves for the likes of Raphinha and Moussa Diaby are a far cry from the days of Mike Ashley and not being able to afford Hamza Choudhury.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Getting either Diaby or Raphinha would be magical for the Toon Army. But the latter would bring Premier League experience, having thrived in England over the last two years.
Raphinha has been brilliant since he joined Leeds from Rennes, and played a key role in keeping them up last season.
He was decisive on the final day against Brentford, whilst he also played a big part in a win over Norwich – their first with Jesse Marsch as manager.
The Leeds superstar really impressed Garth Crooks that afternoon, describing him as ‘magic‘.
Raphinha scored 11 goals and got three assists last season, providing more goal contributions than any Newcastle player.
That’s why the 25-year-old would be an excellent signing for the Magpies. He would add end product in the final third and help us spread the goals throughout the team.
The Brazilian on the right wing and Allan Saint-Maximin on the left would make us a terrifying prospect for defenders.
Eddie Howe might struggle to get his dream signing
However, it might be tough to make Howe’s dream a reality.
The Daily Mail add that the finances needed for a deal would ‘likely be beyond’ our current budget.
The Northern Echo have reported that Newcastle are willing to pay £40million for Raphinha, but that sum is £20million short of their £60million valuation. That figure would make him the Magpies’ most expensive signing ever.
He’s also a target for Arsenal right now, while Chelsea have also been linked with Leeds’ number 10.
Raphinha has been linked with a move to St James’ Park for a while, and now it’s claimed he would be a ‘dream’ signing for Howe. However, this one feels like it will remain a fantasy.