Report: Newcastle ready to break their transfer record to sign ‘unbelievable’ player this summer

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Newcastle United have held talks with Leeds United officials over signing Raphinha, according to The Northern Echo. The same report states that the Magpies would potentially be willing to agree on a deal worth £40 million. If the transfer does come off, then it would be the record figure Newcastle have ever paid for a player.

Currently, Newcastle’s record signing is Joelinton. The Toon spent just under £40 million on their number seven in 2019 (Sky Sports) and they then paid a similar fee in January of this year for Bruno Guimaraes, as TransferMarkt show.

Raphinha’s fee would dependent on add-ons, so if a deal was agreed he would be Magpies’ most expensive signing. However, the club are waiting to see how things develop in the next few days. The Toon will then decide if they want to further their interest.

The Brazilian has been very impressive since joining Leeds and is one of their key players. His teammate Kalvin Phillips described him as ‘unbelievable’ since his arrival per Leeds United’s YouTube channel.

Raphinha joining Newcastle would be a great alternative for Moussa Diaby

Moussa Diaby has been a target for Newcastle this summer. We previously reported the Magpies were willing to pay £34 million for the winger. However, it appears the clubs don’t agree on a fee as of yet.

Eddie Howe will be looking at Diaby alternatives and the 25-year-old fits the bill. Considering the talent he’s shown at Leeds, it’s no wonder Newcastle have held talks over Raphinha.

However, it seems the Toon are cautious. This is understandable, Leeds may demand a high fee for the Brazilian. They’ve valued him at around £60 million, so a fee of around £40 million may not be enough for Jesse Marsch’s side.

The Leeds winger is not the only Diaby alternative reported. Thorgan Hazard is a target who is ‘on their list’, but the deal would take some time to complete as it’s not far advanced.

If Raphinha does become Newcastle’s record signing, it would be a great signing. However, the Toon shouldn’t overspend on him. They need to be careful not breach to Financial Fair Play. Spending the fee Leeds wants for him would potentially put them at great risk. They should only go on for him if they can command a fee of around £40 million. But this could be very difficult for the Magpies.