Fabrizio Romano say £55m attacker who Newcastle wanted last year could be sold this summer

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Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that one of Newcastle United’s transfer targets could be put up for sale in this upcoming summer window.

Newcastle had shown an interest in signing ex-Leeds star Raphinha before the beginning of this season, but the attacker was keen to continue at Barcelona to try and establish himself in the first team.

Now, speaking to Caught Offside, Romano is suggesting that because of Barcelona’s financial troubles, the Brazilian could be one of the players who they look to move on to recoup some funds.

Romano gives Newcastle fresh hope in bid for £55m star

Interest may have died down more recently in the attacker, but Newcastle are known to be big fans of Raphinha and will be in the market for a new right-winger in the summer.

The now 27-year-old signed for the Spanish giants back in 2022 for around £55m after impressing heavily in the Premier League, but things haven’t really gone to play in the almost two years that he’s been there.

The stats suggest that he’s still doing well with 10 goal contributions in 19 appearances in La Liga, but he’s not a regular start for head coach Xavi who has already announced that he will be leaving at the end of the season.

Barcelona also really need to sell some of their players to recoup funds and they’ve already ruled out the young stars as well as big name players like Robert Lewandowski, so that leaves Raphinha as one of their most sellable assets.

On the Newcastle target, Romano said: “We’ve heard a lot of stories about Raphinha’s future almost ever since he first joined Barcelona from Leeds. Much of it was just normal speculation, but now things could change this summer.

“My information is that Raphinha could be one of the players targeted by clubs in the summer…and at some point, Barca will have to sell some players because of Financial Fair Play. Saudi interest was there already last summer, but from England too.

“Still, no decision has been made on Raphinha just yet, but let’s see what happens as interest is there and some sales will be needed.”

Newcastle could get bargain deal this summer

With Barcelona desperately needing to get rid of a handful of players and unwilling to sell their stars, Newcastle will be in the driving seat when it comes to negotiating for the Brazil international.

Given their financial restrictions in January Newcastle will need to save as much money as possible to make sure they can invest in other areas, which is exactly why a bargain deal for the attacker would be ideal.

The Magpies are very much on the lookout for someone who can play on the right given the frustration with Miguel Almiron who really hasn’t matched the form he enjoyed during the previous campaign.

Jacob Murphy is another option on the right who works hard but lacks the end product, while Raphinha would arrive with Premier League experience and a point to prove after his time over in Spain.