Reports in Spain have linked Newcastle United with a summer move for Raphinha, but the Barcelona manager Xavi has made it clear that he wats to keep the forward.
It is going to be a very interesting summer at both Newcastle and Barcelona, but for very different reasons. The Magpies are planning for the Champions League, while Barca are bidding to bring back Lionel Messi whilst juggling their financial woes.
One could lead into the other, and it has been suggested that Barcelona could cash in on Raphinha to fund a move for Messi, who is set to leave PSG when his contract expires this summer.
It has been reported that Newcastle are interested in Raphinha, and that they have even told Barca that they are willing to break their transfer record for him.
That has been disputed by the British media, but now Xavi has sent a clear message to Newcastle about the Brazil international’s future.
Xavi wants Raphinha to stay at Barcelona
The Barcelona boss has spoke to Mundo Deportivo about Raphinha’s future at the Catalan club.
“Raphinha is a very important footballer for me,” he said.
“Raphinha, if it’s up to me, stays at Barça and is going to help us a lot. He has helped us, he has made a difference. He has made a lot of differences.”
Newcastle must look elsewhere
With Xavi keen to keep Raphinha at Barcelona, it looks like Newcastle will have to go elsewhere for a new right winger.
That is a position that Newcastle are looking to strengthen in, with Eddie Howe keen to provide more competition for Miguel Almiron. While he had an excellent 2022/23 campaign, it is wise for the Magpies to find an alternative.
We need a stronger squad to compete on multiple fronts next season, and Raphinha would certainly be an improvement on our current options.
He has excelled in the Premier League before, and has proven in a Barcelona shirt that he can be a difference maker in the final third. In his debut season, the 26-year-old has provided 10 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
Those are impressive numbers, and it is easy to understand why Xavi has no plans to sell this summer.
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