According to Gerard Romero, Newcastle United have proposed €80 million ($88 million) to FC Barcelona for the acquisition of Raphinha.
Romero is considered the top authority on Barcelona’s transfer activities. Last summer, he broke several exclusive stories about Raphinha’s €55 million ($60 million) transfer from Leeds United, despite Chelsea’s competing offer, as well as Jules Kounde’s decision to choose Barcelona over the west London club.
On Wednesday, Romero announced via his Jijantes FC channel that Newcastle United are prepared to offer €80 million ($88 million) to secure Raphinha from Barcelona, driven by their ambition to pair him with fellow Brazilian stars Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton at St. James’ Park.
This update follows Mundo Deportivo’s report that Newcastle, now known as the ‘richest club in the world’ following a Saudi takeover in late 2021, are ready to make a bid for the 26-year-old.
Newcastle can offer Raphinha the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season, and he would be a guaranteed starter under Eddie Howe. At Camp Nou, however, Raphinha might find himself out of the starting lineup with Ousmane Dembele back from injury.
In Xavi Hernandez’s current four-man midfield setup, only one traditional winger is accommodated, as Gavi plays as a false left winger. Additionally, Catalan fans remain somewhat skeptical about the number ’22’, despite his commendable debut season with 10 goals and 11 assists.
Xavi has consistently supported Raphinha publicly, but Barcelona may struggle to reject such a significant offer due to their well-known financial issues. The club is deeply in debt and has been compelled by La Liga president Javier Tebas to reduce their wage bill by €200 million ($220 million).
In their efforts to re-sign Lionel Messi, Barcelona has created a viability plan outlining the need to make two major sales to accommodate the arrival of four new players, according to Romano. Alongside Raphinha, Ansu Fati could also be sold to the Premier League, with his agent Jorge Mendes reportedly informing Barcelona of a €70 million ($77 million) offer expected this summer, as reported by SPORT.
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