Raphinha is a long term target for Newcastle United, and a report from Spain claims that the Magpies have made their opening move for the Barcelona star.
Newcastle have tried and failed to sign Raphinha twice in the past 18 months. The Magpies failed with a bid during the first transfer window after the takeover, and were then unsuccessful last summer.
The ‘magic‘ Brazilian joined Barcelona instead, leaving Leeds for the La Liga giants for a fee of £55million.
However, it already looks like Raphinha could be on the move. It has been reported that Barca are open to selling the 26-year-old, with Newcastle once again keen.
He was previously described as Eddie Howe’s ‘dream signing‘, and now that dream could potentially become a reality this summer.
Newcastle tell Barcelona they are willing to spend big on Raphinha
According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Newcastle have told Barcelona that they are willing to pay £71million for Raphinha.
That would allow the Catalan club to make a profit, as they look to move players on and ease their ongoing financial situation.
While Raphinha has played well for Barcelona, there is reportedly an internal acceptance that selling him to a Premier League club could be a good idea.
That opportunity could be about to present itself, with Newcastle seemingly willing to break their transfer record to sign him. The record currently belongs to Alexander Isak, who arrived from Real Sociedad last summer for £63million.
Strange story, but Raphinha to Newcastle is one to watch
This is certainly an interesting story coming out of Spain. It is an exciting one too, as Raphinha would look brilliant in a Newcastle shirt.
He would be an excellent addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, who look likely to be competing in the Champions League next season.
Howe will be keen to add more attacking quality ahead of the new season, while he is always striving to sign players with Premier League experience. Raphinha ticks both boxes, while he is also familiar with one current Newcastle star.
He is a Brazil international alongside Bruno Guimaraes. They were both part of the team that reached the quarter finals of the World Cup in Qatar late last year.
Bruno’s presence could give us an advantage, but it is difficult to believe that Newcastle have shown their hand this early. The season is not even over, and Champions League football is still not secured, so why would the Magpies tell Barcelona how much they are willing to spend on Raphinha?
And it is not like it is a low offer too. It is a huge amount of money, which makes this story all the more baffling.
It is a difficult rumour to believe, but Raphinha to Newcastle is certainly one to watch heading into the summer transfer window.
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